By Sima Qian
A "foundational text of Chinese civilization,” this first serious history of China describes the world as it was then known. Chronicling the 2500-year period from the legendary Yellow Emperor to the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, it is credited with establishing Imperial China. Rather than typical histories “written by the victors,” Sima Qian strove for accuracy traveling to historical sites, talking to eye witnesses, and researching corroborating accounts. Written on bamboo slips weighing as much as 132 pounds and 4x longer than the Old Testament, it provides biographies of famous leaders, individuals, and discusses significant cultural themes, “the Great Conversations.”
“As for the ceremonies of bowing and giving way, people still observed them, yet how contrary to them were all their actions!”
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“I have examined the deeds and events of the past and investigated the principles behind their success and failure, their rise and decay. I wished to examine into all that concerns heaven and man, to penetrate the changes of the past and present, completing all as the work of one family.”
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“If my work may be handed down to men who will appreciate it, then though I should suffer a thousand mutilations, what regret should I have?”
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“If we may find anything that approaches permanence in the midst of change, it is the lasting power of goodness. Evil destroys the doer, but good endures.”
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“It is the function of the historian to prolong the memory of goodness by preserving its record for all ages to see.”
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“The skillful employer will employ the wise, the brave, the covetous, and the stupid because the wise delight in establishing merit, the brave in showing their courage in action, the covetous in seizing advantages, and the stupid in having no fear of death.”
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“Though bitter, good medicine cures illness. Though it may hurt, loyal criticism will have beneficial effects.”
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“When you see the jailer you abjectly touch the ground with your forehead. At the mere sight of his underlings you are seized with terror... Such ignominy can never be wiped away.”
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