Series of Lectures on Famous Classics of Chinese Learning - Lectures on Zhuangzi

Author: Fang Yong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: China has had a deeply rooted awareness of classical humanities since ancient times. On one hand, there are rich and diverse cultural classics passed down through generations in its traditional literature (a rare phenomenon in world culture). On the other hand, there has been a long-standing tradition of continuous study and recitation of classics by scholars over thousands of years (also rare in world history). Due to the abolition of the imperial examination system, the promotion of modern education, the New Culture Movement, and the need to establish a new national identity, as well as the turbulent instability of China in the 20th century, this tradition was forcibly interrupted. However, in recent years, there seems to be a new opportunity for its survival and continuation. The direct driving forces are, on one hand, top-down advocacy to vigorously promote and cultivate national spirit, and on the other hand, more importantly, bottom-up efforts by civil society forces and some intellectuals to spark another "revival of traditional culture," particularly manifested in new explorations of spontaneous social and cultural education forms, distinct from the cultural critique of the 1980s that focused on intellectual debates. For example, the implementation of children's classic recitation activities in various regions, traditional culture study programs in grassroots academies, private schools and emerging rural academies, the restoration of learning traditional classics, and the establishment of new institutional frameworks in some universities. The reasons behind this era are, on the surface, related to China's economic vitality and peaceful rise over the past decade, but in reality, they are far more complex. At least the following can be mentioned: the moral crisis and loss of meaning in a transforming society, leading to new social issues and their urgency; the competition and interaction of various ideologies worldwide; the rapid erosion of humanistic qualities of civil society in a globalized economy and a tech-dominated environment; against this backdrop, the cultural characteristics of the younger generation in China are rapidly fading; the gradually exposed drawbacks brought by cultural radicalism in modern Chinese intellectual history; the self-logic of Chinese culture's decline and subsequent revival, as well as cultural awakening; and a new perspective that, starting from pragmatism and social issues, practically integrates various ideological and cultural resources to benefit comprehensive social and human development. In summary, on one hand, there are significant new opportunities, and on the other hand, unprecedented crises. Given their complexity and diversity, we should not cling to old dualistic thinking, should not persist in conceptual and theoretical debates, should not approach cultural and intellectual development in a singular manner, but should instead start from the practice of life, refine new issues based on the evolving context of our times, respond to society's genuine needs, and recognize the importance of learning traditional classics. Therefore, I am delighted to endorse this series. In the current context where China's cultural development faces both unprecedented opportunities and crises, East China Normal University Press is willing to take on some social responsibilities, reflecting their vision, insight, and courage. If more publishers and cultural institutions are willing to contribute to the preservation and cultivation of traditional culture, the revival of Chinese culture will have hope. This is the preface.
Zhuangzi is an important pre-Qin classic, beloved and revered for its rich content, profound philosophy, and unrestrained literary style. This book selects representative essays from Zhuangzi, provides annotations for easier reading, and includes introductions to selected essays, cultural history extensions, literary history links, and collective reviews, all of which greatly aid in understanding the thoughts of Zhuangzi.