Series explores ancient wisdom
Print Edition
FOUR English books on ancient Chinese wisdom by Zhang Ciyun, the founding editor-in-chief of Shanghai Daily, have recently been published by Shanghai Translation Publishing House.
The books cater to foreigners who want to learn more about the country’s heritage, culture and history.
“Chinese Idioms and Their Stories” has selected 100 four-word Chinese idioms that are commonly used in everyday conversation across China.
If you already know a “paper tiger” refers to something that appears threatening but is actually harmless, you will be interested to know a “praying mantis” indeed refers to an attempt in vain to hold back an overwhelmingly superior force. While “chicken ribs” give a good chew that are almost tasteless, “eyes of the dragon” add the crucial touch to a work of art that brings it to life.
It goes without saying that Chinese idioms abound in stories. These tales have not only shed light on the Chinese way of thinking, but also illustrated many of its ancient customs.
“Chinese Mythology & Thirty-six Stratagems” features 19 myths on deities and 36 practical ruses for warfare in Chinese history.
Guidelines for daily living
Many elements of mythology were later adapted or assimilated into the three major belief systems in China: Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. On the other hand, the “Thirty-six Stratagems,” despite being applied to politics, business and sports in modern society, also serve as guidelines for daily living.
By reading both the mythology and the stratagems in this book, readers may arrive at a deeper understanding of ancient Chinese wisdom.
“Ancient Chinese Who Left Their Marks on History” is a collection of 88 influential figures who more or less helped shape the country to what it is today.
In fresh and modern English, this series recalls the life stories of those who left their personal marks in philosophy, art and literature, religion, science and technology and politics.
It covers everyone from Lao Zi, a legendary philosopher who wrote the “Book of Virtue,” to Kong Zi, better known as Confucius, whose quotations formed the earliest version of the Golden Rule in everyday living.
There’s also the story of Li Bai, who penned poems thousands of years ago that are still recited by children today. Yan Fu is the first Chinese who introduced modern Western ideas into China while Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908), the mysterious “queen without a crown” ruled during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the country’s last feudal society.
Enduring influence
“Gems of Chinese Classics” is the final book in the series and tells the stories of classic texts. The book details how they left an indelible mark and enduring influence on the country.
The “Three Character Classic,” for example, was one of the most popular texts for elementary education in China. In addition to teaching children the basics of math, Chinese language, music and science, the text also lists titles of important Chinese classics in Confucianism and the works of other ancient philosophers.
Originally published in Now and Then, a weekly column in Shanghai Daily beginning in 2008, the four books offer a humorous and fascinating insight into the cultural history of China. A launch ceremony will be held during the 2015 Shanghai Book Fair, beginning on Tuesday, where readers can get their books signed by the author.
Zhang is a translator, reporter and editor who has helped launch four English language newspapers on the Chinese mainland. He is now the editor-in-chief emeritus of Shanghai Daily.
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