Ranting About Ancient Famous Figures: Zhuge Liang

Author: Ran Yunfei, Li Kui
Publisher:
Publishing Date: Not available
Features: Recently, China's first large-scale series of online commentaries, Talking About Ancient Famous Figures, is about to be officially launched by Bashu Publishing House. The book selects historically significant and influential figures with unique personalities, such as Wu Zetian, Qin Shi Huang, Yongzheng, Cao Cao, Zhuge Liang, and Zeng Guofan, and features critiques by influential literary critics in China. On April 10, a network reading discussion session was held in Sichuan, where renowned writers and cultural figures explored seven completed sample chapters of Talking About Ancient Famous Figures. Attendees unanimously agreed that it was a distinctive and unique commentary series, characterized by its engaging and personalized story selections, as well as sharp, fluent, and thought-provoking critiques that offered readers a fresh perspective. Literary critics and writers in attendance also engaged in in-depth discussions about the book's themes. Xu Kang (Vice President of the Sichuan Writers' Association and Executive Deputy Director of the Ba Jin Literary Institute) remarked that the title Talking About Ancient Famous Figures was well-chosen, particularly because the term "talking" provides ample space. "Talking" sits between solemnity and satire, encompassing both storytelling and commentary. The critiques are delivered in a relaxed, playful, and humorous tone, evaluating historical figures through modern perspectives, offering readers insights and leaving them with room for reflection and endless fascination. Most historical-themed books on the market objectively introduce figures, but this book presents Wu Zetian, Qin Shi Huang, and Zeng Guofan, among others, from a different angle, revealing aspects that are often overlooked. Their personalities, true natures, inner thoughts, and the hidden sorrow, melancholy, and suffering in their hearts are vividly captured by the critics, allowing readers to clearly see that even the once-dominant emperors and powerful ministers in history possessed ordinary human qualities. Wu Li (a renowned critic) stated that "talking about ancient famous figures" is not simply about writing history or judging historical figures positively or negatively. It is not meant to make readers reinterpret Cao Cao and Zeng Guofan's history. The reason we chose these figures is that they have exceptionally distinct personalities and achievements, capable of transcending conventional norms. Through "talking" critiques, readers can understand these figures' valuable traits, which in turn reveal their true natures and inspire reflections on reality. Traditional Chinese history has long suppressed the expression of individuality, yet historical figures successfully asserted their own. By allowing readers to clearly grasp their bold personalities, we hope to provide contemporary readers with inspiration and guidance on how to live. For example, Wu Zetian personally killed her own son, showcasing her ruthlessness. Yet, she also demonstrated kindness by appointing her rival, Shangguan Wan'er, to a position of influence, revealing her compassion. The combination of ruthlessness, kindness, and compassion in Wu Zetian evokes endless reflections, offering valuable lessons for modern life. Yuan Jiliang (Deputy Director of the Creative Research Office of the Sichuan Writers' Association) mentioned that encountering this series made him think of Croce's quote: "All history is contemporary history." Discussing ancient figures from a modern perspective allows us to freely recognize and evaluate them with today's thoughts and values. That is, while they were emperors or powerful ministers in history, we now view them simply as ordinary people for critique. "Talking" aims to uncover their unique traits, exposing the personalities of historical figures to modern audiences and inspiring deeper reflections and lasting impressions. The discussion session was highly spirited, and as this book reaches readers, it is hoped that they will engage in in-depth online and media discussions, continuing to explore its deeper meanings.