Ming and Qing Studies, Issue 4

Author: Chief Editor Zhu Chengru
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-04-01
Features: Historical compilation has upheld the shared psychology and beliefs of the Chinese nation. Throughout the long history of the nation, there have been both development and warfare; both mediocrity and wisdom; both corruption and integrity, all of which have been woven into the fabric of national history. Development has been celebrated, with the periods of the Rule of Wen and Jing, the Rule of Guang, and the Prosperity of Kangxi and Qianlong widely recognized and praised, establishing them as models for stages of national development. In times of chaos, however, they have been condemned as disasters that threatened the nation. The Rebellion of the Seven States, the Rebellion of the Eight Princes, the An Lushan Rebellion, and the Revolt of the Three Feudatories are all, without exception, depicted in historical records as typical examples of calamities that brought suffering to the nation. Over the millennia of traditional consolidation, a value judgment system recognized by the nation has been formed, guiding the consciousness and behavioral orientation of the people. Among these, two prominent national value orientations stand out: First, the sense of public duty, emphasizing individual dedication to the state and society, and the responsibility to cultivate oneself, govern one's family, rule the state, and bring peace to the world, as expressed in the saying, "If it benefits the country, life or death is nothing to me; why should I avoid misfortune for the sake of gain?" This reinforces the consciousness of contributing to the nation and its people. Second, a strong desire for the unification of the nation-state, as encapsulated in the saying, "The great trend of the world is that division will eventually lead to unification, and unification will eventually lead to division." Maintaining unity, suppressing separatism, even through military means, would be recognized by history. Dividing territory and challenging central authority, even if done out of necessity under duress, would be recorded in history with words of condemnation. The Chinese nation emphasizes tradition and inheritance, and the compilation and writing of history clearly demonstrate the continuation and extension of this tradition and civilization.