Family Then and Now

Author: Zhang Suihua, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-09-01
Features: "Messenger" Essence Series is a collection of books that combine cultural sophistication with readability, covering various aspects of human life. It truly reflects the beliefs of the "Messenger" magazine in seeking objective truth, fostering free exchange of ideas, and promoting cultural dissemination. The rich knowledge, sound principles, and innovative thinking it contains will undoubtedly inspire readers. The series is divided into 12 volumes based on different themes or fields, including "World Famous Personalities," "Deities, Totems, and Beliefs," "Changes in the Media," "Urban Labyrinth," "A Century of Cinema," "Lonely Journey Across the World," "The Star Cluster of Humanity," "The Path to Freedom," "The Great Revolution and Utopia," "Yesterday and Today of the Family," "Stone, Culture, and Time," and "The Light of Art."
The contributors to this magazine are world-renowned experts and scholars in their respective fields, ensuring its authoritative nature. Despite being written by prominent figures, the content is accessible and engaging, free from academic jargon, making it thought-provoking yet captivating. More significantly, the same themes are often written by authors from different countries and cultures, providing readers with diverse perspectives. For example, the different attitudes toward family in various cultures, varying views on art, especially modern art, differing opinions on the French Revolution and human utopian ideals, distinct understandings of media functions, and contrasting views on the relationship between "sovereignty" and "human rights" all highlight the diversity of culture and thought, a unique strength of the "Messenger" that no other publication can match.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) "Messenger" magazine has a 54-year history and is published in 28 languages across over 100 countries and regions worldwide. It aims to promote international cooperation in education, science, and culture, as well as to foster peace, security, freedom, and cultural exchange. The Chinese edition of the "Messenger" magazine was launched in July 1980 and is translated and published in Beijing by China Foreign Translation and Publishing Corporation under the commission of UNESCO. As a major international publication, the "Messenger" faithfully upholds UNESCO's mission, seeking objective truth, promoting free exchange of ideas and knowledge, and committed to the broad dissemination of culture. It serves as an effective platform for advocacy and education in the pursuit of justice, freedom, and peace.
The "Messenger" magazine extensively covers various issues in human society, spanning numerous scientific disciplines. With its rich knowledge, sound principles, and innovative ideas, it encourages readers to gain a more authentic and comprehensive understanding of humanity and fosters mutual understanding among people. Given the importance, seriousness, knowledgeability, and readability of the "Messenger" magazine, we have now selected the essence of translations from its Chinese edition over the past 21 years since its launch and presented them in this series for a wider audience. The series is divided into 12 volumes based on major themes or different fields, carefully curated to faithfully reflect the spirit of the "Messenger."
Over the past 21 years, the translators who have contributed to the Chinese edition of the "Messenger" have dedicated significant effort, and we sincerely express our gratitude to them. Due to financial difficulties, UNESCO has decided to cease publication of the "Messenger" since 2002, and the Chinese edition has accordingly been discontinued. This series is a tribute and summary of the Chinese edition of the "Messenger," and we hope it is not the final chapter. May the "Messenger" of human peace and freedom forever be with us!