Zeng Guofan -- Great Talk About Ancient Famous Figures

Author: Yuan Jiliang
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-10-01
Features: Recently, China's first large-scale series of online commentaries, Talking About Ancient Famous Figures, is about to be launched by Bashu Publishing House. The book selects historically significant and influential figures with distinct personalities, such as Wu Zetian, Qin Shi Huang, Yongzheng, Cao Cao, Zhuge Liang, and Zeng Guofan, and features critiques by influential literary critics in China. On April 10, a network manuscript review meeting was held in Sichuan, where renowned writers and cultural figures discussed the seven sample chapters that have been completed for Talking About Ancient Famous Figures. Attendees unanimously agreed that it was a unique and distinctive series of commentaries, characterized by its engaging and personalized story selections, as well as sharp, fluid, and thought-provoking critiques that offered readers a fresh perspective. The literary critics and writers in attendance also delved into deeper discussions about the book's themes. Xu Kang (Vice President of the Sichuan Writers' Association and Executive Deputy Director of the Ba Jin Literary Institute) remarked that the title Talking About Ancient Famous Figures was well-chosen, particularly because the term "talking" provides ample space. "Talking" sits between seriousness and satire, encompassing both storytelling and commentary. The critiques, delivered in a relaxed, playful, and humorous tone, use contemporary perspectives to evaluate historical figures, offering readers insights and room for reflection, with endless charm. Most historical-themed books on the market today merely objectively introduce figures, whereas this book presents Wu Zetian, Qin Shi Huang, and Zeng Guofan from a different angle, revealing aspects that are not easily perceived. Their personalities, true natures, inner thoughts, and the hidden sorrow, melancholy, and pain in their hearts are vividly captured by the critics, allowing readers to clearly see that even the once-powerful emperors and ministers in history possessed ordinary human qualities. Wu Li (a renowned critic) stated that "talking about ancient famous figures" is not simply about writing history or praising or condemning historical figures, nor is it about letting readers reinterpret Cao Cao and Zeng Guofan's history through this series. The reason we chose these historical figures for critique is that they have exceptionally distinct personalities and unique achievements, capable of transcending conventional norms. Through "talking" critiques, readers can understand these figures' valuable personalities, which in turn reveal their true natures and allow readers to reflect on the present. Traditional Chinese history has long suppressed the expression of individuality, yet these historical figures successfully asserted their own. We want readers to clearly grasp their bold personalities. For example, Wu Zetian personally killed her own son, showcasing her ruthlessness. Yet she also employed her rival, Shangguan Wan'er, with magnanimity, revealing her gentleness. The combination of ruthlessness, cruelty, gentleness, and kindness in Wu Zetian's personality inevitably sparks endless reflections, offering contemporary people valuable insights into how to live. Yuan Jiliang (Deputy Director of the Creative Research Office of the Sichuan Writers' Association) mentioned that seeing this series reminded him of Croce's quote: "All history is contemporary history." When cultural figures discuss ancient figures, it allows us to approach them from a modern perspective, freely recognizing and evaluating them. Using today's thoughts and values to critique them means that in history, they were emperors or ministers, but now, we view them simply as ordinary people. "Talking" aims to extract their unique qualities, analyzing the personalities of historical figures and presenting them to modern audiences, offering new insights, prompting deeper reflection and leaving a lasting impression. The atmosphere of the meeting was, and when this book is presented to readers, it is hoped that they will engage in in-depth discussions online and through other media, continuing to explore deeper layers of meaning.