Zhuangzi Interpretation -- Series of Interpretations of National Classics

Author: Fang Yong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: China has had a deeply rooted awareness of classical humanistic traditions since ancient times. On one hand, the transmission literature contains a rich and diverse array of cultural classics passed down through generations (a rare phenomenon in world culture). On the other hand, there is a long-standing tradition of scholars engaging in continuous study and recitation of these classics over millennia (also rare in world history). Due to the abolition of the imperial examinations, the promotion of modern education, the New Culture Movement, and the need to establish a new national identity, as well as the turmoil and instability of China in the 20th century, this tradition was forcibly interrupted. However, in recent years, there seems to be a new opportunity for its survival and continuation. The direct driving forces are, on one hand, top-down advocacy to vigorously promote and cultivate national spirit, and on the other hand, more importantly, bottom-up efforts by civil society forces and some intellectuals to spark another "revival of traditional culture," particularly manifested in new explorations in social and cultural education that differ from the cultural critique of the 1980s, which was more about sitting and debating. For example, the initiation of children's classic recitation activities in various regions, traditional culture study programs in some grassroots academies, the emergence of private schools and rural academies, the restoration of learning traditional classics, and the establishment of new institutional frameworks in some universities. The reasons behind this era are, on the surface, related to China's economic vitality and peaceful rise over the past decade, but in reality, they are far more complex. At least the following can be mentioned: the moral crisis and loss of meaning in society due to the transformation of the society, the emergence of new social issues and their urgency; the competition and interaction of various ideas worldwide; in a society dominated by economic globalization and technological supremacy, the humanistic qualities of civil society are rapidly declining; against this backdrop, the cultural characteristics of the younger generation in China are quickly fading; the drawbacks brought by cultural radicalism in modern Chinese intellectual history are gradually becoming apparent; the self-logic of Chinese culture, which has gone from being trampled upon to reviving itself, and cultural awakening; as well as a new perspective that starts from empiricism and social issues, pragmatically integrating various intellectual and cultural resources to benefit comprehensive social and human development. In summary, on one hand, there are significant new opportunities, and on the other hand, there are unprecedented crises. Given their complexity and diversity, we should not cling to old dualistic thinking, nor should we insist on conceptual and theoretical debates, nor should we approach the construction of cultural thought in a singular way. Instead, we should start from the practice of life, refine new problem awareness based on the evolving connotations of our times, respond to the genuine needs of society, and recognize the issue of learning traditional classics. Therefore, I am delighted to endorse this series of books. In the current context where China's cultural development faces both unprecedented new opportunities and unprecedented crises, East China Normal University Press is willing to take on some social responsibilities, which reflects their vision, insight, and courage. If more publishing houses and cultural institutions are willing to support the preservation and cultivation of traditional culture, the revival of Chinese culture will have hope. This is the preface.
Zhuangzi is an important pre-Qin classic, renowned for its rich content, profound philosophy, and unrestrained literary style, and has been cherished and valued throughout history. This book selects representative essays from Zhuangzi and provides annotations for easy reading. The selected essays include introductions, cultural historical extensions, literary historical links, and collective reviews, all of which greatly aid in understanding the thoughts of Zhuangzi.