Jiu Zhou Xue Lin (Autumn 2003 Issue)

Author: Zheng Peikai, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-07-01
Features: The predecessor of Jiu Zhou Xue Lin was Jiu Zhou Xue Kan overseas and Xue Shu Ji Lin in Shanghai. After more than a year of discussion and coordination, the leaders of these two academic journals decided to pool resources from both China and abroad to jointly establish a research journal on Chinese culture. We share a common cultural belief that serious academic research can renew and create splendid culture, that solid foundations in literature and history are the basis of humanistic thinking, and that empirical and creative academic approaches contribute to the inheritance and development of Chinese culture. We oppose conservatism, believing that traditional Chinese culture has an open space, a capacity to embrace diverse influences, and a willingness to absorb and integrate external factors, rather than being stagnant or self-satisfied. We oppose blind adherence to the sayings of Confucius and the poetry of the Book of Songs, rejecting the notion that all cultural thinking must trace its roots to the Yellow Emperor and Yao, Shun, or the ancient Greek and Hebrew traditions. We also reject the idea that Shakespeare and Beethoven are the sole standards for judging all literature and art across time and cultures. However, we also advocate that all Chinese humanities scholars must be well-versed in Confucius, Mencius, Laozi, Zhuangzi, the Book of Songs, the Chuci, the Records of the Grand Historian, and the Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government. They should be able to understand The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons, appreciate the Tang and Song poetry and Dream of the Red Chamber, and be familiar with Homer and Dante, as well as having exposure to Plato and Aristotle. They should not fear Kant, Hegel, or Marx. Only with a basic understanding of the accumulated cultural resources of humanity can we grasp our cultural position, avoid arrogance, and not delude ourselves into thinking we stand at the forefront of progress, looking down on the past or recklessly criticizing and trampling the achievements of previous generations. We also emphasize that respecting the contributions of the past does not mean blindly following or burying oneself in dusty archives but rather caring about the future of civilization. Through the interpretation, rejection, development, or renewal of past cultural resources, we can contribute to the future of culture. Song Dynasty philosopher Zhang Zai once said, "To establish a heart for the world; to establish a destiny for the people; to inherit the lost learning of the sages of old; to open a peaceful era for all generations." While his words may be excessive, inflating the capabilities of intellectuals to an unlimited degree, his unwavering sincerity and willingness to take responsibility are admirable and worthy of emulation. The journal's name "Jiu Zhou" naturally evokes the ancient nine provinces of Yu Gong, suggesting that this journal focuses on ancient China. Perhaps some may follow Zou Yan's theory of celestial speculation, extending post-structuralist and post-colonial fantasies to propose the globalization of a cultural China and the promotion of the "Great Jiu Zhou" concept. Regarding such expectations, we are self-aware and unable to bear them, so we can only express our gratitude. Instead, we would like to briefly explain the origin of "Jiu Zhou": the classics are familiar to everyone, and when speaking of Yu Gong's nine provinces, the direct academic research scope is historical geography, which is also the purpose behind Gu Jiegang's editorship of the Yu Gong journal. However, "Jiu Zhou" also has a modern allusion, which is the poem by Gong Zizhen during the late Qing Dynasty: "The vitality of the nine provinces depends on thunder and lightning; the silence of ten thousand horses is truly a tragedy. I advise the heavens to shake with vigor, to bestow talent without discrimination." We hope that Jiu Zhou Xue Lin can gather the talents of this generation from both China and abroad, invigorating themselves to contribute to the interpretation and innovation of Chinese culture.