Critique of Chinese Characterology - (Volumes 1 and 2) (Negation and Sublation)

Author: Tang Han
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: When the concluding remarks "Guo Moruo elevated ancient scripts and early history to a brand-new stage, was a revered academic giant, and an esteemed master of oracle bone scriptology" still echoed in the Guo Moruo Memorial Hall, a sudden sound of drums calling for battle came from a corner of Beijing. The drum caller—Tang Han. He claimed that many scholars, including Guo Moruo, had misinterpreted numerous oracle bone scripts! And it was a methodological error. – Xinmin Weekly
Tang Han firmly believes that Chinese characters originated from the folk, being a direct reflection of folk culture. When studying the origin of a Chinese character, he doesn’t just flip through ancient books but delves into the grassroots to interview people, examine physical artifacts, chat with the elderly, and sometimes even experience it firsthand. – Beijing Evening News
Tang Han’s work holds great significance. Studying oracle bone scripts is of great importance for ultimately solving the mysteries of early human civilization. The exploration of early civilization’s origins is not only a major historical topic but also a fundamental task of contemporary academia. – Liaowang Weekly
The person who achieved this feat is the author of this book, Mr. Tang Han. Before this, he had already completed multi-volume works spanning millions of words. Although they did not attract attention from the mainland academic community, it was understandable, as he was just an independent scholar. His extraordinary and profound theories were likely too shocking for ivory-tower academics, leaving them speechless and unable to respond.
As everyone knows, most mainstream scholars today have abandoned the purity and focus of the ivory tower. They chase academic degrees, evaluate titles, bribe their way into journals, fabricate trending papers, and must also curry favor with authorities and smooth interpersonal relationships. They are too busy pursuing livelihood and fame to have the time and mindset to engage in foundational research. Instead, scholars like Mr. Tang Han, who are considered (crazy scholars), are carefree and unrestrained. They pursue scholarship for its own sake, not for survival, and spend their nights in seclusion without seeking fame or status. They yearn for the utmost purity in academia and strive for ever-deeper research. Such rare individuals are far beyond the reach of ordinary professors or boastful celebrities.