Classic Reading: Must-Read World and Chinese Classics in Life

Author: Guo Mianyu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-02-01
Features: Reading all the great masterpieces is like conversing with the noble figures of past eras. And it is a conversation that is well-prepared. These great minds show us in their conversations not anything else, but the essence of thought. — (French) Descartes
There are so many masterpieces that we no longer have the time to explore them one by one. We must trust the choices of the predecessors; perhaps one generation may make mistakes, but the whole of humanity will not. — (French) Hume
With limited time, contemplate the essence of a hundred classic masterpieces: Masterpieces record the development of society and the joys and sorrows, virtues and vices of humanity. Reading a few masterpieces in a lifetime can enhance one's cultural taste and self-cultivation, perfect one's personal charm. Forge the inner world and emotions; focus on true values and authentic life. In today's society of "opportunity and crisis coexisting," there is so much we do not understand, and so much we need to learn. We must continuously enrich our knowledge, improve our self-quality, knowledge, and capital. Today, the relationship between knowledge and success is becoming increasingly close. Only by calming down to accumulate knowledge and enhance our abilities can we equip ourselves to seize opportunities. The key to reading is not "quantity" but "quality." The purpose of this book is to recommend valuable, classic, and suitable books to everyone, so that in limited time, you can grasp the outlines of the thoughts of a hundred great figures from ancient and modern times. This is the cultural package that modern people most need in spirit and soul.
The purpose of introducing classic works is to spark the reader's interest in the works themselves. If readers can appreciate the charm of the works from the introduction and then read the original text, the charm of the classics itself will produce a transcendence, a support, and a rational sedimentation in people's spirit and personality. Let us use experience and reason to make choices in the journey of life. This book has three criteria for selecting works:
(1) It has outstanding literary value.
(2) It has highly creative and innovative thoughts in various fields of knowledge.
(3) It has profound spiritual insights and perceptiveness.