Alternative History of Confucian Scholars

Author: Shen Rong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: Intellectuals in Chinese history carry the genes of Confucian culture. Scholars possess independent personalities and free thinking, representing a rational cultural force. Whether in high office or in remote places, they hold the world in their hearts and demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility toward the nation and its people. Generations of scholars have endured a difficult journey, as Confucianism has been exploited by rulers, and scholars have always played a tragic role due to the power of the monarchy. Yet, scholars have consistently stood firm in their resistance, steering the course of history. Thus, they are also the unseen protagonists of history. Scholars embody independence and freedom of thought, representing a rational cultural force. "When the world is just, they appear; when the world is unjust, they withdraw." Whether in high positions or in distant places, they maintain a strong sense of social responsibility. Over two thousand years of Chinese history, Confucianism has been exploited by rulers, and scholars have perpetually played tragic roles—but they are the unseen protagonists. Because they have always resisted steadfastly, correcting the course of history. The topic of scholars is heavy, but this alternative text makes reading effortless—through the perspective of today's youth, in the language of the new generation—originally, history can be written this way. In the past, scholars were a minority; today, readers are everywhere. But do we still possess their passion, integrity, responsibility, and ideals? Before we turn the pages, let us read a few of their quotes as morning lessons:
○ Cultivate oneself, govern the family, rule the state, and bring peace to the world (Great Learning)
○ A man of ambition and virtue does not seek life at the expense of virtue, but rather risks his life to achieve virtue (Analects)
○ Wealth and honor cannot corrupt, poverty and humility cannot move, and power cannot bend (Mencius)
○ All men must die, but some die as heavy as Mount Tai, while others die as light as feathers (Sima Qian)
○ Better to be broken like jade than whole like clay (Book of Northern Qi)
○ Though of low status, one dare not forget the nation's worries (Lu You)
○ Worry before the world worries, and rejoice after the world rejoices (Fan Zhongyan)
○ Since ancient times, who has not died? Preserve your loyal heart to shine through the ages (Wen Tianxiang)
○ When the nation rises or falls, every man shares the blame (Gu Yanwu)
○ If it benefits the nation, life or death matters not; why avoid misfortune or seek fortune? (Lin Zexu)