Macro Chinese History (Volume of Decline)

Author: Sun Jiazhou et al
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-10-01
Features: Decline often emerges from periods of prosperity, and sometimes it is even difficult to draw a clear line between the two. The decline of a golden age might be an inevitable part of history, with many causes of decline often rooted in the very prosperity that preceded them. In some historical periods, the establishment of stability after the turmoil of a dynasty's founding marked the peak of its prosperity, while also serving as the starting point for exploring the decline of that era. A decline, after all, is distinct from chaos. It lacks the widespread warfare and turmoil characteristic of chaotic times and often includes reforms and revivals aimed at restoring the dynasty's authority. Although these reforms and revivals were often limited in scope, they generally alleviated the crisis of dynastic rule to some extent, delaying the onset of chaos. We have selected several historical periods to discuss as declines, examining the future of dynasties, the fates of individuals, and summarizing the characteristics of decline and the reasons for its transformation. We hope to provide readers with a new macro perspective for thinking about history.