Historical Rumors and Prophecies

Author: Luan Baoqun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: The skillful use of rumors and prophecies is a remarkable phenomenon in the history of Chinese politics. Heroes and conquerors who fought for power used rumors and prophecies to justify their divine mandate, while common people also employed this tactic to oppose rulers. The unique characteristics of the Chinese language and script provided a rich variety of forms for creating these rumors and prophecies, making them a peculiar item in China's cultural treasury. To understand Chinese history and Chinese politics, one must be aware of these rumors and prophecies. This book collects some political prophecies that appeared in Chinese history and introduces their historical backgrounds. On one hand, it aims to let readers know that there exists such a special political tool in the history of Chinese politics and such a strange category in the cultural history of China. On the other hand, it also hopes to inspire readers to learn from the past to understand the present. Ancient sages, even under the belief in deities and gods, considered "listening to the gods" a sign of national decline and chaos. What reason do we have in a "scientific and democratic" society to believe in any divine mandate?