Great Figures, Small Stories · Writers

Author: Yan Xuzhi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: This book primarily narrates the joys and hardships of literary creators and their marvelous ideas. It presents their spiritual demeanor one by one. Young friends who read these short stories can gain knowledge, inspiration, and insight into life, learning how to be a good person. Throughout history, how many heroes, geniuses, and extraordinary talents have emerged in the world! Some had grand visions, sacrificing their families for the nation and its people; some were skilled in both martial and literary arts, invincible in battle; some were extraordinary, knowledgeable in all fields, and full of wisdom; some were wise and eloquent, stabilizing the state; some composed poetry effortlessly, writing extensively; some were versatile, possessing unique skills; some were ingenious, inventing and benefiting humanity; some were erudite, teaching tirelessly, setting an example for others; some wandered the world, facing danger, daring to be the first; some endured hardship, relying on themselves, building businesses through toil. These outstanding individuals, who achieved great deeds and left a lasting legacy, are the figures people admire—politicians, military leaders, thinkers, diplomats, writers, artists, scientists, educators, explorers, and entrepreneurs. The brilliant achievements they attained in their respective fields all have their own reasons. Whether through diligence and learning, enduring hardship, frugality and perseverance, or humility and exploration, their success depended on their strong psychological qualities and noble moral character. Their success was filled with hard work and tears. Their success was accompanied by countless moving stories. These people are the talented, the strong, the famous, the giants, the sages, the "supermen," the great figures, the so-called big personalities. They left behind immeasurable material wealth for future generations and also bestowed endless spiritual strength upon us. They are objects of admiration and models for people to learn from. As the saying goes, "The power of role models is infinite." "Near ink, one becomes black; near vermilion, one becomes red"—this is the principle. Mencius' mother moved three times to choose a good neighbor for her son, precisely to find a role model for him. Here, we have collected short stories of over 1,000 great figures from 10 different fields. These great figures, though and giants, are also ordinary people, mortals. They have experiences similar to ordinary people. They have the seven emotions and six desires, joys and sorrows, successes and failures. They have once been wealthy beyond measure and also once penniless. They have been invincible and also suffered defeats. They have been respected and also mocked. There are many such vivid and interesting stories about them. Most of these stories are based on historical facts, with added descriptions; some are abridged from biographies; others are adapted from news reports. These stories cover the grand strategies of politicians, their hidden wisdom; the courage of military leaders, their familial sentiments; the integrity of diplomats, their compromises; the insights of thinkers, their life pursuits; the diligence of artists, their virtue and artistry; the erudition of educators, their humility in learning; the creative struggles of writers, their marvelous ideas; the dedication of scientists, their failures; the bravery of explorers, their boldness and caution; the generosity of entrepreneurs, their meticulousness. These short stories are like brilliant dewdrops, crystal clear and sparkling, reflecting the dazzling light of these great figures. This is the charm of character! This is the power of character! This is our role model. We have written these short stories of great figures, presenting their spiritual demeanor to you. Young friends who read these stories can gain knowledge, inspiration, and insight into life, learning how to be a good person. Wishing you, young friend, that you too may become a great figure!