Biography of Zeng Guofan

Author: Xiao Yishan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-10-01
Features: "Zeng Guofan, praised as a sage, condemned as a prime evil-doer." Zeng Wenzheng was not only a great figure in modern times but also one of the few truly great men in Chinese history; not only in China but also in the world. "Among the people of my time, I am deeply impressed by Zeng Wenzheng. Observing his actions in the campaign to pacify Jiangyang, it was perfect in every way. If a modern person were to take his place, could they uphold such integrity?" Zeng Guofan is one of the most controversial figures in Chinese history. Those who praise him call him a complete man, saying he "achieved virtue, merit, and words," and that his achievements "shook the ancient and dazzled the modern." He is considered the only "interpreter" of the pragmatic meaning of the Spring and Autumn Annals in the 2,000 years after Confucius's death. Those who condemn him call him a "traitor to national unity" and a "national criminal," accusing him of ignoring the "great cause of the nation" when dealing with the ignorant and sincere. Alas, such a person, praised and condemned to such extremes, how many can be found in the history of China? How many can be found in the history of the world? This book records the life and deeds of Zeng Guofan and provides judgments on them.