How to finish a history book (1)
The Great History of China is a monograph by historian Huang Renyu, which embodies his "great historical view". Quoted many research contents, analyzed the development of Chinese dynasties, and applied economics from European history.
There are so many history books in China that beginners are often forbidden to enter. When it comes to the history of China, I just stay at a very superficial level. What I know is only some dynasties and major historical events, some of which are not in time, and all of them are fragmentary on the whole. Only after reading this book can I systematically understand the uniqueness and glory of China's history, which has benefited me a lot.
Many books about the history of China are mostly based on historical dynasties and historical materials. But what I feel from China's great history is the leap and totality. This book focuses on the overall historical situation and China, elaborates the history of China from a macro perspective, and compares the history of China with that of foreign countries. The economy, politics and culture in the history of China have their own characteristics and uniqueness. I deeply appreciate the value of history.
General historical works regard the history of China as the family history of emperors. In the pre-Qin period, China implemented the system of "learning from foreigners". From emperors and monarchs to officials, doctors and scholars, their titles, fiefs and official positions were passed down from father to son. Theoretically speaking, the number of hereditary is infinite until the family living with this title and official position fails in the political struggle. In this book, the author conveys a distinct point of view to the readers, that is, the ancient history of China runs under the guidance of morality. If an emperor wants to do something, he must follow the moral track, otherwise he will not get the support of all the people. As the saying goes, "those who win the hearts of the people are the masters of the world."
Economically, the book expounds the changes of China's economic system. The economic system changes in China from ancient times to the present are the result of the development of productive forces and social environment. The change of economic system often corresponds to the reform of social system, and what suits you is the best. Under the influence of history, China has gradually found an economic system suitable for China's national conditions.
Politically, China's history has experienced ancient autocracy and centralization of authority, as well as today's political system. Modern China experienced great changes in history, from a closed feudal society to a modern country. Only by summing up historical experience and taking history as a mirror can we safeguard the prosperity and unity of the motherland.
Historical development is the result of the interaction of upper and lower forces. To maintain the stability of the whole country, the upper and lower forces must reach a balance, and this balance was morality in ancient times. As the basis of ancient economy, it is "agriculture" and "commerce". In the prosperous period of ancient times, there were good strategies to solve the land problem. If agriculture declines, the country will naturally fall into chaos.
Although this kind of historical writing has no academic significance of quoting classics and textual research, nor does it inherit the usage of traditional historiography to assist politics or hide people's eyes and ears, it can exempt us from the burden of studying history. Therefore, we don't have to read history as "history as a mirror", and we don't have to regard history as a tool to carry forward a certain moral concept. Jump out of the value whirlpool of history "should be like this" and satisfy people's curiosity about the causal relationship of history "why is this".
How to finish writing a history book (2)
I read it this winter vacation. This is a magic book that can enrich the mind and supplement knowledge. Historical Records is the earliest biographical general history in China. This book has 130 articles and more than 520,000 words. This book also created the form of biographical history books, which had a far-reaching impact on the official history of later generations. An intriguing little story is woven into a historical record handed down from generation to generation. The characters in Sima Qian's works are vivid and distinctive. Vivid language and beautiful words make readers feel as if they are in a beautiful artistic conception. With the ups and downs of the plot, my mood is also changing. Enjoy the joy of heroes, worry about heroes, and feel heroic. The relaxed and humorous language and gripping plot seem to have brought me to that distant era. The background characteristics of each era; The customs of each country; The customs and habits of various ethnic groups are vividly displayed in historical books. Reading Historical Records is like taking a historical trip without leaving home, enjoying everything in that era and reviewing all kinds of unforgettable historical events. I realized what people thought and felt at that time. Reading historical records is like reading an interesting story book. Vivid historical figures tell you interesting stories about them and lead you into their world. Reading history books is like talking face to face with a historian. Deeply moved by his accurate language. Unconsciously, I also increased the necessary historical knowledge and enriched my mind.
History, to paraphrase Song Shenzong's famous saying: "In view of the past, we have the resources to govern Tao". This is the meaning of history. However, history is a hard word to say. Even historians are quite cautious when it comes to the origin of history. So now I'm talking about the historical significance. Is it an ignorant act to find the foundation of a mirage? In my opinion, history is listed as the echo of the past. At present, we can trace the traces gradually covered by streamers from the clues of historical sites and explore the contemporary significance, which can be said to be ignored. The wheel of history has never stopped for any king, political party or country. What great achievements a king has made and what good martial arts he has achieved; What is the superior system of a party? A nation's excellent pedigree, splendid civilization and selfless history have not given them more tolerance and shelter. Therefore, constantly thinking about the significance of history as a permanent proposition and topic is worth exploring and solving by all people of insight.
During the prosperous Tang Dynasty, Wei warned Emperor Taizong that "taking history as a mirror, we can know the rise and fall". History can't speak, and her silence is her value. People or nations who are good at reflection can understand the law of ZTE in the process of historical rise and fall, so that the future history of the country and nation will develop healthily and avoid being brought into danger and self-control. The prosperity of the Tang Dynasty is inseparable from Yang Di's reference and criticism. The repetition of history seems to be a lingering nightmare, which has long troubled and troubled future generations. Countless history books record the gains and losses of the present or the previous dynasty. One is to record the history of a country, and the other is to leave complete clues for later rulers and people. Sometimes history is just forgotten, and smart and persistent people jump out and say, "All history is contemporary history." Indeed, comparing Chinese and foreign history horizontally and examining the national route vertically, we find that history is strikingly similar.
Luo often said: "If you are divided for a long time, you will be combined." Don't you see, the rise and fall of a dynasty always alternate. After the prosperous times, there will be troubled times, and after the troubled times, there will be rectification. Somehow, it conforms to China's theory of Yin and Yang. History can be used as a reference for politicians, but it can only be a reference. The wheel of history will never stop, all we can do is try our best! Try to delay that day. ...
Of course, the significance of history is not just to avoid and learn from. I repeat this argument in a cliche way today, with the aim of setting a benchmark for this significance of history in our hearts. Looking for relevant meaning from history, no matter what angle we look at history and what conclusions we draw, even superficial or even repeated mistakes and omissions can not stop our original intention. Is it our responsibility as social people to grasp history from a wide perspective and in multiple dimensions?