Biography of Li Shimin (Including Biography of Wei Zheng)

Author: Zheng Xuemo, Lu Huayu, et al.
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: "A Biography of Li Shimin" briefly narrates the life of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, and provides a detailed analysis of the philosophy, politics, talent management, military strategy, and ethnic policies in his governance. It also concisely introduces the historical impact of his thoughts. Generally speaking, the history of thought is the history of thinkers, but Li Shimin's thoughts did not appear in the form of "the thoughts of a thinker." Instead, they were elaborated and enriched within the practice of governance, forming a part of Confucian thought. He "preserved his achievements in institutions" and "preserved his thoughts in his achievements." As a wise ruler, a renowned statesman, and a distinguished military strategist, his thoughts are characterized by their targeted focus, vivid summaries, popular metaphors, and strong persuasiveness. Wei Zheng was an outstanding statesman and an excellent historian in Chinese history. He served Emperor Li Shimin, advised him on matters of state, and formulated the governance policy of "disarming and promoting culture." He was a late-blooming counselor of great integrity. "A Biography of Wei Zheng" discusses his political and historical thoughts, focusing on his core concepts and ideological system, and traces their origins. The book argues that Wei Zheng possessed simple materialist dialectical thought, a governance theory emphasizing moral cultivation, a profound and strong sense of vigilance, and ideas such as prioritizing human affairs over fate and learning from the past to govern the present. These represent the crystallization of early Tang Dynasty wisdom. Regarding Wei Zheng's place of origin, historical records vary, and scholars have differing opinions. This book provides a unique analysis and clarification.