Sima Qian (former 145 or former135-about 87 years ago) was born in xia yang, Western Han Dynasty (now south of Hancheng, Shaanxi). China was a great historian, writer and thinker in the Western Han Dynasty. Later buddhas called Shi Qian, Tai Shigong and the father of history.
He created China's first biographical history book (formerly known as Taishi Gongshu) with the historical knowledge of "studying the relationship between heaven and man, connecting the changes of ancient and modern times and becoming a unified statement", which is recognized as a model of China's history books.
Characteristics of historical records
1, Sima Qian's economic thought can be described as fresh and original, because in the agricultural society at that time, he was able to speak up for the businessmen and advocate that industry, agriculture and commerce should be paid equal attention, which was really rare.
2. Progressive national outlook. In Historical Records, Sima Qian began to attribute the nationalities south of the Yangtze River to the descendants of the Yellow Emperor, which reflected his great nation view. At the same time, he opposed the expansion war of Emperor Wu of Han Dynasty and looked forward to the peaceful coexistence of all ethnic groups.
3. It is particularly democratic and critical. Historical Records truly reflects the historical task. For example, his biography of Liu Bang and Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty not only shows their great achievements, but also shows their ordinary and ridiculous side, and he attaches great importance to the lower class people and spares no effort to describe the lower class people.
4. Values and outlook on life and death, such as affirming Jing Ke's act of stabbing the king of Qin from the perspective of chivalrous people. There is a famous saying in Historical Records that has made us think for thousands of years: "People are inherently mortal, or they are heavier than Mount Tai or lighter than a feather." The view of life and death different from ordinary people created Sima Qian and his immortal masterpiece.