Anti-Canon

Author: Fan Peiwei
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-01-01
Features: The Inverse Classics, also known as The (The), was written by Zhao Rui of the Tang Dynasty. It is a work on strategy, and some even compare it to Zizhi Tongjian. It is believed that Zizhi Tongjian discusses strategy from a positive perspective, while The Inverse Classics approaches it from a negative one. This statement is clearly exaggerated, but it also shows that this is an important work for understanding traditional Chinese culture. The author of this book, Zhao Rui, was from Da Bin, Yan Ting County, Zhi Zhou. He lived in seclusion for a long time, was skilled in strategy, and had an in-depth study of ancient Chinese philosophy. He was particularly proficient in the schools of Diplomacy and Military Strategy. The The Inverse Classics he compiled is essentially a collection of previous discussions on strategy. He arranged these discussions according to his own thoughts, highlighted key points, and emphasized the views he wanted to clarify. The Inverse Classics consists of ten volumes, divided into sixty-four chapters following the example of the I Ching. Among them, the first nine volumes survive, while the tenth volume, "Secret Strategies," is lost. The General Catalogue of the Siku Quanshu states: "This book covers the essentials of governance and power, completed in the fourth year of the Kaiyuan era. It cites references to analyze situations, and its language likely originates from the school of Diplomacy, hence the name The (The). It also reflects the changing times, making it part of the school of pragmatic achievement. However, its main focus is on practicality, not the cunning strategies of advisors, and still retains the legacy of the Wei and Jin dynasties." This book selects some important chapters and provides interpretations to help readers understand the basic nature of this work.