Ninety Years of Hunan Academic Style (Including "Comprehensive Records of Confucian Studies")

Author: Qian Jibo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-16
Features: Hunan, as a province, is northwardly blocked by the Yangtze River, southwardly bordered by the Five Ranges, westwardly connected to Guizhou and Shu, where the Miao people gather—truly a land surrounded by mountains and rivers. The region has scarce water and abundant mountains, with rugged peaks and steep rapids, making transportation by boat and carriage difficult. The stony and ochre soil indicates a hardy geology, and the people's character tends to be stubborn. As a result, the customs are often closed off, rarely influenced by the cultural traditions of the Central Plains. Yet, it has also developed its own customs, capable of standing independently from the Central Plains. With the land's spirit nurturing great figures, eminent scholars have emerged one after another. They look back to no ancient sages and forward to none in the future, possessing broad knowledge and solitary aspirations. They embrace both the present and the past, all embodying independent and free thinking, as well as unyielding wills. Deeply versed in ancient studies yet able to forge their own paths, they were not confined by tradition. Guided by righteousness to benefit the people, they rigorously disciplined themselves to set the tone for a new era—this is all due to the influence of geography. —Qian Jibo
This book is a work discussing the development and changes in Hunan's academic and intellectual thought before the Xinhai Revolution. Written in the form of biographies, it groups and profiles various individuals, aiming to highlight the independent and free thinking, as well as the unyielding wills of Hunan scholars. The thirteen figures discussed in the book, though originally from Hunan, have had broader influences, with many (such as Zeng Guofan) continuing to impact the region even today. This book is a work discussing the development and changes in Hunan's academic and intellectual thought before the Xinhai Revolution. Written in the form of biographies, it groups and profiles various individuals, aiming to highlight the independent and free thinking, as well as the unyielding wills of Hunan scholars. The thirteen figures discussed in the book, though originally from Hunan, have had broader influences, with many (such as Zeng Guofan) continuing to impact the region even today.