Letters from Famous Figures in China and Abroad to Children

Author: Liang Qing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-11-01
Features: This book collects letters written by famous figures from China and abroad to children. Some of these letters are addressed to their own children, some to younger siblings who have not yet reached adulthood, and others to the children of relatives and friends. Although the relationships between the senders and recipients vary in closeness, all the letters unexceptionally express the good wishes and earnest expectations of the elders for the young. From their own perspectives, they convey their love for the children and offer sincere advice on learning and self-cultivation. On one hand, these letters can be seen as heartfelt guidance from the elders, and on the other hand, the warm and (informal and domestic) style of writing also vividly reflects the personal charm of the famous figures. When compiling this collection of letters, the editors limited the children targeted by the famous figures to minors, meaning those under the age of 16, as 16 can be considered the dividing line between adulthood and minority. Generally, a person is regarded as an adult after turning 16, and the challenges they face become more diverse, while their personality, character, habits, and other aspects are largely shaped. Therefore, family education before the age of 16 is particularly important. The behavior and conduct of parents and relatives gradually influence children. Parents should establish sound personalities and develop a positive attitude toward life, laying a foundation for their future development. Among the letters included in this book, there are also examples of irresponsible parenting. Jack London, after his marriage had already broken down, asked his 13-year-old daughter to choose between him and his mother. After she made her choice, he stated that he would no longer care about or be concerned with anything she did from then on. For a child who has not yet reached adulthood, receiving such a letter is extremely cruel.