Ancient China: Tradition and Transformation (Volume 1)

Author: Compiled by the Department of History, Fudan University
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-06-01
Features: Establishing a historical journal has long been a shared aspiration of faculty and students at the Department of History, Fudan University. As early as the mid-1950s, the Department of History at Fudan had already been home to many distinguished scholars who were eager to contribute to the prosperity of Chinese historical studies. However, the field lacked a refined and prestigious academic journal. Thus, when the winds of "Let a hundred flowers bloom and let a hundred schools of thought contend" first swept across the campus of Fudan University, they immediately stirred ripples in the Department of History. The idea of establishing a specialized journal to regularly showcase the best research and scholarship from the department also became an unanimous call among faculty and students. What was the outcome? In the "unusual summer" that followed, the "non-historical concept" of the "literary revolution," which had been harshly criticized by Marx and Engels, weighed heavily on those who adhered to the practice of writing truthful history, and the Department of History at Fudan suffered greatly.
In the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, Zhang Taiyan opposed Kang Youwei's attempt to elevate Confucius to the status of a timeless and all-encompassing divine teacher, arguing that Confucius was merely the master of traditional historiography: "History speaks of human life, while theology preaches ghosts. Ghosts make people foolish, while humans make people wise. The thoughts are near yet different." The former masters of the department, "the two Zhou" (Zhou Yutong and Zhou Gucheng), were both warriors who participated in the "attack on the Confucian shop" during the May Fourth Movement. On the eve of the Cultural Revolution, they stood up to oppose the modern deification movement, all in the name of upholding the principle that "history speaks of human life." Fortunately, after enduring trials and tribulations, the elders of the department did not wither. In the 1980s, scholars such as Zhou Gucheng and Tan Qixiang set an example by continuing the legacy of the department. They supported the younger generation of the department, engaged in extensive cooperation with scholars both at home and abroad, pioneered new fields in the study of Chinese and foreign cultures, established journals, published series, and organized international academic seminars, helping the department emerge from its low point and gradually regain its reputation in the field of history both domestically and internationally.
As the century turned, and another five years passed, Fudan University was about to celebrate its centennial, and the Department of History had been part of the campus for eighty years. Through the collective efforts of all faculty and students, the long-standing vision of establishing a journal was finally realized in 2005, a year of dual significance, in the form of the Fudan Historical Studies Journal now presented to the readers. However, Wu Jingping, the then-department head who spearheaded the creation of the Fudan Historical Studies Journal, asked me to write a few words for its launch, and I hesitated. It is well known that there are already dozens of historical journals in China, and even more interdisciplinary journals that encompass history. Given the department's comprehensive disciplines, numerous experts, and multiple doctoral programs that continuously nurture young scholars, the Fudan Historical Studies Journal has a solid foundation. However, to surpass its peers and become a leading journal in the field will require considerable effort. Gold does not lie hidden in sand; even if sifted, it remains sand. The works of renowned scholars are not all masterpieces. As the ancients said, "A name is merely a guest to the reality; will I be a guest?" Therefore, I have great confidence that this historical journal will endure, but I cannot help but harbor some anxieties about its legacy.
I sincerely hope that the Fudan Historical Studies Journal can withstand the test of history. I dare not wish for it to be celebrated in fifty years, but at least by the time the department celebrates its centennial, there will still be some articles in it that serve as starting points for future historical research and the continuation of the department's legacy.
Thus, without hesitation, I have thought of a few points to encourage the editors and authors of the Fudan Historical Studies Journal. I hope this journal:
1. Speaks of human life, not ghosts.
2. Speaks the truth, as Marx said, striving for "impartial research."
3. Speaks the truth, as Engels expected, "returning the content of history to history."
4. Speaks of new ideas, with originality in topics, perspectives, and arguments.
5. Speaks concisely, not referring to the length of writing, but avoiding empty, cliché, redundant, useless, and obscure words.
In truth, these are all old topics, but revisiting them on the occasion of the launch of the Fudan Historical Studies Journal also expresses our desire to engage in rigorous discussions and exchanges with readers.
Wishing the Fudan Historical Studies Journal all the best!