《The National Language》Selected and Commented

Author: Hu Guowen / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-07-01
Features: When sandstorms from the Gobi Desert strike the capital Beijing, when cloning technology has advanced to the point of replicating humans, and when the development of production technology benefits humanity yet repeatedly endangers it, we are inevitably reminded of Zhuangzi's famous allegory—“The Seven Orifices Pierced, Chaos Dies.” Two thousand years ago, this eccentric philosopher made this shocking statement, which, though somewhat pessimistic, cannot fail to impress us. Amidst the absurdity, it coldly reveals a truth and serves as a warning that will resonate for generations. Indeed, humanity cannot abandon the development of productive forces, including technology. However, when the ancient song of “wheat and millet growing lushly, melons and gourds spreading widely” (from the Book of Songs, “Shengmin”) becomes a distant dream on the barren, desolate land of Shanxi and Shaanxi, carved by deep gorges, should we not reflect that while recognizing “science and technology are productive forces,” we must also pay deeper humanistic attention to the fate of humanity? The process of modernization in China in the new century should have entered a stage where technological development and humanistic cultivation are no longer sufficient to create well-rounded individuals. Therefore, we are pleased to present this new-century edition of classic literature, philosophy, and history to readers, especially the young people today who are diligently studying mathematics and physics. The first to be released is the “Literature” section—The New Century Classical Literature Reader.
In fact, Shanghai Ancient Books Publishing House has been making such efforts for over forty years. The two series, Selected Readings of Chinese Classical Literary Works and Basic Knowledge of Chinese Classical Literature, each comprising eighty titles, were planned by this publishing house and its predecessor, the Shanghai Editorial Department of Zhonghua Book Company, and published over more than three decades in the last century. They had a profound impact at the time. Many titles had print runs of hundreds of thousands or even over a million. Not only do classical literature scholars in their forties and fifties recall their early academic journeys with deep affection, calling them “warm milk,” but many others in various fields have also been nurtured by them in cultivating their character.
However, the knowledge of humanities and social sciences is constantly evolving, and each era has its own systems of symbols, expressions, and habits of reception. This series is the continuation and renewal of the earlier two. It upholds and promotes the tradition of Shanghai Ancient Books Publishing House in popularizing literature over the past forty-six years, while also integrating diverse experiences—both positive and negative. Renowned scholars have written these works with clarity and depth, balancing knowledge and readability. The fusion of cultural tradition and modernity is a new focus. The latest research findings in academia over the past half-century are presented in accessible and socialized forms to suit the reading habits of contemporary audiences. By elevating the ordinary to the refined, it conveys a refined elegance even in easily understandable language.
In terms of structure, this series combines the strengths of the earlier two, seamlessly integrating authors and works (or introductions to original works and selected analyses). This creates a harmonious interplay between the whole and the parts, uniting broad perspectives with meticulous details. It is also an expansion and simplification of the earlier series. After the literary classics, it will introduce historical and philosophical classics. In terms of quantity, adapting to the trend of condensed knowledge in the new century, it will consist of thirty literary works, ten historical works, and ten philosophical works, totaling fifty titles. This aims to reveal the essential spirit of Chinese culture in a concise manner while catering to the diverse needs of readers through a modular, divisible, and combinable structure.
If the earlier two series represented the heartfelt dedication of the previous generation of publishers at Shanghai Ancient Books Publishing House to their readers, then this new series is a century-old gift from the new generation of publishers to the new generation of readers. There is no need to doubt the necessity of systematically and broadly understanding our own cultural traditions in the modern era. Despite the influx of foreign cultures today, any foreign culture must be combined with the local culture to take root. The world significance of Chinese culture will ultimately be reflected in its national identity. This is one of the most important lessons from the development of Chinese culture since the May Fourth Movement. Therefore, a balance between technological knowledge and humanistic concern is inseparable from the integration of Chinese and Western cultures.
We hope that this new-century edition of Chinese culture, with The Classical Literature Reader as its vanguard, will serve as a catalyst for the new generation of youth to cultivate a healthy new personality. Whether they are called “new humans” or “renewed humans,” we believe they can all draw from this work the nourishment they need.