Good Chinese children -- Military strategists win

Author: Li Xiantang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-15
Features: Throughout the 5,000-year history of China, countless outstanding figures have emerged, their deeds influencing generations of Chinese people. Their names shine like stars, guiding our steps and inspiring us to strive forward. They are the pride of China, the fine sons of the nation! The "Fine Sons of China" series: "Magnificent Politicians," "Decisive Military Strategists," "Talented Artists," "Erudite Writers."
Ancient philosopher Zhuangzi once told a story about the Yellow River overflowing in autumn, its waves surging and stretching as far as the eye could see. The god of the Yellow River, proud of his vast dominion, believed he was the most magnificent being in heaven and earth. However, when he traveled on the wind and waves to the sea and saw the boundless realm ruled by the sea god, he realized his own narrowness and insignificance. Life is the same. If a person remains confined to their small world, entangled in personal joys and sorrows, failing to associate with outstanding figures of the world or undergo the trials of great causes, they will ultimately achieve nothing and wither away in blind arrogance.
You might say, "Reality is too vulgar and trivial, and I feel lonely and isolated." Then let us go, like rivers flowing to the sea, like migratory birds returning to their homeland. Let us venture into the wilderness, to the highlands where the roots of our nation flourish—the place where figures like the Duke of Zhou, Guan Zhong, Sun Wu, Sun Bin, and also Li Bai, Du Fu, Wang Xizhi, and Wu Daozi lived. These outstanding sons of, these towering spirits who transcended the ages, will share with you their extraordinary life stories and the profound truths they discovered. Their clear gazes will dispel the shadows from your heart, and their wise words will stir up the boundless winds and clouds of inspiration.
Perhaps you have long yearned for them but couldn’t find a way to reach their lofty heights. Then, open this small book before you: it will clear away the dust of time for you, revealing the path shown by the firm footsteps of the sages and wise men of the past. As you walk along this path, you will gradually understand what noble and solemn virtue is, what vast and expansive intellect is, and your wisdom will grow. Until one day, without realizing it, you reach the pinnacle of life, with boundless scenery stretching before you, and when you look back, the rugged path behind you stands majestic. You might exclaim, "How wonderful it is to live a life of continuous struggle and progress!" Then, you will remember the small stepping stones you first set foot on in your blooming spring years.