Personality of the Chinese nation

Author: Zhang Yuanji
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-03-01
Features: Around the time of launching the New Century Universal Library, Liaoning Education Press proposed a slogan: "Laying the Foundation for a Literate Society." This slogan was well-balanced: it aimed only to lay the foundation, without daring to claim when a literate society would arrive. For the press, it was simply doing its part to contribute to building a literate society. Today, can we say: A literate society is on the horizon? How dare we say that? Look around—China is experiencing a fervent movement to create a learning-oriented society. In May 2001, Comrade Jiang Zemin first proposed the task of building a learning-oriented society. After the 16th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, people further recognized that creating a learning-oriented society is an important cultural task for building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. Learning has now become a nationwide activity. To learn, there must be books available everywhere, and the fragrance of literature must be present in every corner. Learning, of course, should not be dogmatic, but it cannot be without books. A great call from decades ago: "Take publishing work seriously"—today, it is gaining new meaning. The New Century Universal Library has now reached its sixth volume, nearing the goal of 1,000 volumes. Although the late founder of the Universal Library, Mr. Wang Yunwu, has gained increasing recognition in recent years, we still feel that we are about to bid farewell to the Library, and it is a source of no small regret. Now, witnessing the vigorous momentum of building a learning-oriented society, we deeply feel the weight of our responsibility. The New Century Universal Library may not help readers directly engage with contemporary new trends or learn new skills, but for those who wish to understand the origins of cultural and academic traditions or delve into the depths of current knowledge, it should still be a valuable assistant. Around the time of launching the New Century Universal Library, Liaoning Education Press proposed a slogan: "Laying the Foundation for a Literate Society." This slogan was well-balanced: it aimed only to lay the foundation, without daring to claim when a literate society would arrive. For the press, it was simply doing its part to contribute to building a literate society. Today, can we say: A literate society is on the horizon? How dare we say that? Look around—China is experiencing a fervent movement to create a learning-oriented society. In May 2001, Comrade Jiang Zemin first proposed the task of building a learning-oriented society. After the 16th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, people further recognized that creating a learning-oriented society is an important cultural task for building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. Learning has now become a nationwide activity. To learn, there must be books available everywhere, and the fragrance of literature must be present in every corner. Learning, of course, should not be dogmatic, but it cannot be without books. A great call from decades ago: "Take publishing work seriously"—today, it is gaining new meaning. The New Century Universal Library has now reached its sixth volume, nearing the goal of 1,000 volumes. Although the late founder of the Universal Library, Mr. Wang Yunwu, has gained increasing recognition in recent years, we still feel that we are about to bid farewell to the Library, and it is a source of no small regret. Now, witnessing the vigorous momentum of building a learning-oriented society, we deeply feel the weight of our responsibility. The New Century Universal Library may not help readers directly engage with contemporary new trends or learn new skills, but for those who wish to understand the origins of cultural and academic traditions or delve into the depths of current knowledge, it should still be a valuable assistant.