Good Chinese children -- scholars of literature

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 sons and daughters of the Chinese nation! The "Sons and Daughters of China" series: "Strategic Statesmen," "Decisive Generals," "Talented Artists," "Scholarly Writers."
The ancient philosopher Zhuangzi once told a story about the Yellow River overflowing in autumn, with waves rolling and stretching as far as the eye could see. The god of the Yellow River, proud of his vast dominion, believed no one in heaven and earth was greater than himself. 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, refusing to associate with outstanding figures of the world or face 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 head into the wilderness, to the highlands where the roots of our nation’s spirit take hold—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 and daughters of the Chinese nation, these towering spirits who transcended the ages, will tell you about their extraordinary lives and the profound truths they discovered. Their clear gazes will dispel the clouds 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 and reveal the path shown by the firm footsteps of the sages and scholars of the past. As you walk along this path, you will gradually understand what noble and solemn virtue is, what expansive and profound intellect is, and your knowledge will grow. Until one day, without realizing it, you reach the pinnacle of life, looking out at boundless scenery and looking back at a steep and rugged path. You might exclaim, "How wonderful it is to live a life of continuous striving and progress!" Then you will remember, in the blooming spring of your youth, the small stepping stones you first placed.