Great People, Small Stories: Diplomats

Author: Yan Xuzhi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: Throughout history, how many heroes, outstanding talents, and extraordinary figures have emerged in the world! Among them, some had grand visions, sacrificing their families for the nation and the people's well-being; some were both skilled in martial arts and literature, invincible in battle, and the bravest of the brave; some were extraordinary and wise, knowledgeable in all fields, and full of wisdom; some were clever and eloquent, capable of stabilizing the state; some could compose poetry in seven steps, write books, and leave behind a legacy of works; some were versatile and possessed unique skills, standing out from the crowd; some were ingenious and inventive, bringing benefits to humanity; some were erudite and patient in teaching, setting an example for others; some roamed the world, facing danger and hardship, daring to be the first; some endured humiliation and worked hard to achieve success, building their own businesses through perseverance. These outstanding individuals, who achieved great accomplishments and left a lasting legacy, are the political leaders, military strategists, thinkers, diplomats, writers, artists, scientists, educators, explorers, and entrepreneurs that people admire. The brilliant achievements they made in their respective fields all have their own reasons. Some were diligent and hardworking, enduring hardships without complaint; some were industrious and thrifty, persistent and unwavering; some were modest and cautious, brave in exploration. Their success was inseparable from their strong psychological qualities and noble moral character. Their success was full of hard work and tears of pain. Their success was accompanied by countless moving stories. These people are geniuses, strong individuals, celebrities, giants, sages, "supermen," and (great figures), the so-called "big people" we often mention. They not only left an endless wealth of material resources for future generations but also bestowed upon us an inexhaustible spiritual strength. They are the objects of people's admiration and also the role models for people to learn from. As the saying goes, "The power of role models is boundless." "Near ink, one becomes black; near vermilion, one becomes red," and this is the very principle. Mencius' mother moved three times to find a good neighbor for her son, choosing a role model for him. Here, we have collected short stories of over 1,000 great figures from 10 different fields. These great figures, though (great figures) and giants, are also ordinary people, mortals. They have experiences similar to ordinary people. They have the seven emotions and six desires, joys and sorrows, happiness and sadness; they have the joy of success and the pain of failure; they have once been wealthy beyond measure and also once been penniless; they have once been invincible and also once been defeated; they have been respected and also laughed at. There are many such vivid and interesting stories about them. Most of these stories are based on historical facts and are elaborated upon; some are adapted from biographies, shortened; and some are rewritten using news reports as material. These stories cover various aspects: the political acumen and hidden wisdom of political leaders; the courage to face death and filial piety of military strategists; the integrity and willingness to compromise of diplomats; the profound insights and life pursuits of thinkers; the diligence and noble artistry of artists; the erudition and humility of educators; the creative struggles and brilliant ideas of writers; the dedication and failures of scientists; the bravery and meticulousness of explorers; the generosity and frugality of entrepreneurs. These stories are like sparkling dewdrops, clear and bright, reflecting the dazzling brilliance of these great figures. This is the charm of character! This is the power of character! This is the role model we should learn from. We have written these short stories about great figures, showcasing their spiritual qualities before you. Young friends, after reading these stories, you can gain knowledge, be inspired, understand the ways of the world, and learn how to be a good person. Wishing you, young friends, that you too may one day become a great figure!