Introduction to Traditional Chinese Culture

Author: Shi Yuntao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-08-01
Features: This book consists of 10 chapters, including: Ancient Chinese Philosophy, Ancient Chinese Religion, Ancient Chinese History, Ancient Chinese Literature, Ancient Chinese Art, and Ancient Chinese Technology, etc. Similar to some nations in the world claiming to be "superior races" or "God's chosen people," the Chinese have long believed that their "Huaxia Civilization" is the finest culture in the world. Within their vision, beyond the Huaxia Civilization zone, everything else was considered Yi and Di, which implied barbarism and backwardness. Over time, the scope of "Yi and Di" gradually expanded, from the Miao and Man tribes within their own territory to the "learning from the barbarians to restrain the barbarians" policy, which included even the Europeans who were already at the forefront of the world at that time. We cannot simply attribute this mindset to narcissism; the pride of the Chinese has its foundation in both spiritual and material civilization. For a long period of history, the Chinese were at the forefront of the world in social development, science and technology, and spiritual civilization. The pride and sense of accomplishment of the descendants of Yan and Huang, inspired by the long-standing, profound, and splendid ancient culture, is the psychological foundation for the enduring and continuous development of Chinese culture. We take deep pride in the inventions and creations of our ancestors and the glorious history of Chinese culture, but we also recognize that being at the forefront does not mean being flawless. When we look back at the long history of Chinese culture, we not only see its vastness and continuity, feel its strong vitality, and even anticipate a more brilliant future, but also observe its twists and turns, the turbid currents in its vastness, its hidden reefs, and its crises. In cultures that were once at the forefront, seeds of decline had already been sown or were being nurtured. A great leader once warned us to inherit the ancient Chinese cultural heritage critically, precisely because he saw both the essence and the dross in traditional Chinese culture. This attitude is very rational and commendable. The belief that China is inferior in everything and that the moon is round abroad only diminishes achievements and contributions, ultimately leading to national psychological inferiority, where even our precious heritage is discarded as trash. The mindset that insists on the unbreakable ethical norms of our nation for thousands of years, even to the extent of considering the "three-inch golden lotuses" of Chinese women as a "national essence" and unwilling to abandon them, only adds to our burdens of tradition and hinders our progress.