Selected Works of Nan Huaijin (Volume 6) - Historical Experiences · A New and Old Generation · General Talk on Chinese Culture

Author: Nan Huaijin
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-09-17
Features: Strategy, which is also known as the art of (strategic maneuvering), the art of (short and long-term tactics), and the art of (diplomatic influence) in ancient Chinese culture. In modern terms, it refers to the philosophy and art of leadership. To summarize historical experiences, the renowned scholar Mr. Nan Huaijin once systematically analyzed ancient Chinese strategy, and his lecture notes were published under the title "Experiences from History" by the Taiwan Lao Gua Cultural Enterprise Company in two volumes in 1985 and 1986.
The first volume selects the essence of Zhao Rui's "The Art of Short and Long," Liu Xiang's "The Strategies of the Warring States," and Huang Fan's "Essentials of Governance," incorporating historical examples of rise and fall to discuss the principles of ruling a state, utilizing people, preventing corruption, and distinguishing between loyal and treacherous individuals. The second volume provides a line-by-line commentary on "The Book of Principles," "The Art of War by Tai Gong," and "The Secret of the Yellow River." The "Book of Principles" is said to have been passed down by the Yellow River Lord and used by Zhang Liang to assist Liu Bang in founding the Han dynasty and defeating the Chu state. The book contains numerous military strategies that greatly aided Zhang Liang. After Zhang Liang's death, the book went missing until the Jin dynasty, when someone (robbed Zhang Liang's tomb) and discovered it beneath a jade pillow, allowing it to be reintroduced to the world. This book focuses on elucidating its principles and includes nearly one hundred and fifty historical stories, annotated after the original text, to help readers compare the classics with history and derive insights into the principles of entrepreneurship and interpersonal relationships. In 1990, our company obtained authorization from the author and the original publishing house to merge the two volumes of "Experiences from History" into one (divided into an upper and lower part) and republish it under the title "Wisdom and Strategy in History" for research purposes. It was republished under its original name in 1992. The edition now published is the newly revised version by the Lao Gua Cultural Enterprise Company in November 1995.
This book was originally titled "Thoughts and Psychological Issues of Youth in the 20th Century" and was published by the Taiwan Lao Gua Cultural Enterprise Company in September 1977. It was revised to "The New and Old Generation" in its third edition in March 1984. It is a collection of lectures by the renowned scholar Mr. Nan Huaijin. In his lectures, the author, drawing on his personal experiences and insights, provides an incisive analysis of the changes in Chinese society in the 20th century and their impact on people's psychological states, raising many thought-provoking questions. The content covers: the social () of the late Qing and early Republican era; major political events; the clash of Eastern and Western cultures; the evolution of academic thought; ancient cultural and educational systems; modern moral values; generational gaps between the old and the young; differences in reading between the old and the new; private schools and family education; respecting teachers and traditions; finding one's place in life; as well as the personality, knowledge, psychology, experience, and behavior of youth, and more. The language is gentle yet rich in knowledge.
This book was originally titled "Prefaces and Postfaces" and was published by the Taiwan Lao Gua Cultural Enterprise Company in December 1986. It was revised to its current title in its second edition in January 1992. It compiles seventy-two prefaces and postfaces written by the renowned scholar Mr. Nan Huaijin over the years for his own works, others' works, and ancient texts he had compiled. It is divided into nine categories: Confucianism, the I Ching, Taoism, classical texts, Zen Buddhism, Vajrayana Buddhism, physical fitness, history, and others. It provides profound insights into all aspects of Chinese culture. The content covers: ancient texts; various schools of thought; social changes; historical anecdotes; practical learning; the way of life; the essence of Confucianism and Mencius; treasures of the Taoist canon; the origins of the I Ching; the essence of Buddhist scriptures; Zen Buddhist discourses; Vajrayana Buddhist practices; military strategy; yin-yang divination; yoga and qigong; health and longevity; poetry, prose, and songs; classical and modern translations; as well as the author's personal experiences and interactions, and more. The language is elegant, and the perspectives are unique.