Asides on the Chinese people

Author: Lin Yutang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-12-01
Features: Humanity is an interesting book, one that can never be fully read in a lifetime! The character of a nation is a composite of various factors, just like a fish's fin, a bird's beak, or the teeth of a meat-eating animal—its function is inseparable from its inherent traits. As Mr. Lebon said in his work: "The common heritage of humanity lies in the discovery of knowledge, while the virtues and flaws of character are the exclusive heritage of each nation. It is as firm as rock, weathered by centuries of wind and rain, but only its sharp edges are worn away." For a long time, the Chinese have regarded themselves as a civilization with five thousand years of history, believing that "China is the center of the world" and that the Chinese nation is one of the most outstanding nations in the world." However, the Chinese often do not deeply examine what they truly are or reflect on their own identity. What kind of people are the Chinese? What kind of nation is the Chinese nation? Are they civilized or barbaric? Kind or hateful? Intelligent or foolish? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Chinese character? All of these deserve repeated reflection and improvement among the Chinese, leading to progress. Throughout history, many people have pointed out the strengths and weaknesses of the Chinese, their observations meticulous, analyses insightful, and reasoning rigorous. Every time you read one of their works, you can find your own reflection. This book collects nearly all the outstanding works that describe the character of the Chinese, allowing every Chinese person to understand the character and weaknesses hidden deep within their hearts.