Selection of Poems on Advocating Integrity and Self-discipline Through the Ages

Author: Li Zhongyuan (Editor)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: The value of life lies in dedication, yet I feel ashamed of having contributed so little to the nation and its people throughout my life. After retirement, I always wanted to do something more for the people, but lacking specialized skills, I could only retreat to my humble home, spending my days reading the poetry I had always cherished. I also joined several poetry clubs. Over time, the idea of compiling an anthology of ancient poetry suitable for the current needs of combating corruption and cultivating moral character gradually took shape. When my fellow poets learned of my idea, they gave me strong support and encouragement. Thus, I spent over two years reading tens of thousands of ancient poems and consulting a vast amount of materials and personal collections of ancient poets in several libraries. It was then that I discovered, due to the taboos of past dynasties, there were actually very few poems left by the ancients on this subject. After another two years of deliberation, the manuscript was revised four times. During this period, Professor Mao Bingshen of Henan University reviewed the preliminary draft and offered valuable suggestions. Professor Luan Xing of the Literature Research Institute at the Henan Provincial Academy of Social Sciences not only provided help within his means but also wrote the preface for the Poetry Anthology. Comrade Chu Yong, President of the Zhengzhou Elderly Poetry Research Association, and Comrade Wang Gengsheng of Dongming Poetry Club, among others, also gave me support within their capacity. Special thanks are due to Comrade Wang Guoqin, a senior editor at Henan Literature and Art Publishing House, who reviewed the manuscript three times and did a great deal of work for the publication of this book. My heartfelt gratitude goes to all of them.