The author is Sima Qian.
Sima Qian (about 145 BC to 90 BC) died in 90 BC at the age of 56. Zichang, courtesy name, was a great historian, writer, and thinker in the Western Han Dynasty. His "Historical Records" was China's first biographical general history. It was called by Lu Xun "the swan song of historians and the rhymeless Li Sao." (Republic of China, Lu Xun). Sima Qian was a native of Longmen, Xiayang, Western Han Dynasty. Xiayang (now south of Hancheng, Shaanxi), the name of the county, is close to Longmen. Therefore, Sima Qian called himself "Qian Sheng Longmen" (Taishigong's preface). Longmen, Longmen Mountain, is very famous. Legend has it that Dayu once opened mountains and controlled floods in Longmen. To the south of Longmen Mountain is the Yellow River. Sima Qian's home is right between the Yellow River and Longmen. There are many local places of interest. While Sima Qian enjoyed the sights of mountains and rivers since he was a child, he also had the opportunity to hear many historical legends and stories.
There is no clear record of the dates of Sima Qian’s birth and death. The recent scholar Wang Guowei's "Tai Shi Gong Xing Nian Kao" believes that Sima Qian was born in the fifth year of the Zhongyuan Dynasty of Emperor Jing of the Han Dynasty (145 BC), and died approximately in the first year of the First Yuan Dynasty of Emperor Zhao of the Han Dynasty (86 BC) at the age of 56. It is said that Sima Qian's family came from the Tang Dynasty From Yu to Zhou, they were historians and astronomers passed down from generation to generation. Sima Cuo was a famous general who conquered Shu during the reign of King Hui of Qin. Sima Chang was an iron official of Qin Shihuang. When Sima Qian's father Sima Tan became the Taishi Ling of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, The ancestral history of being a historian was restored.
In his youth, Sima Qian was "the sun of farming and herding rivers and mountains" ("Hancheng County Chronicles"). Growing up in the natural environment, he was not only influenced by the pure atmosphere of mountains and rivers, but also had some experience in folk life.
At the age of ten, Sima Qian followed his father to the capital Chang'an, where he had to learn from the old doctor Fu Sheng and the great Confucian scholar. Kong Anguo studied; his family background was deep, he learned from famous teachers, and benefited a lot from his inspiration and guidance. At this time, when the Han Dynasty was strong, economically prosperous, and culturally prosperous, Zhang Qian was envoyed to the Western Regions, and Wei Qing and Huo Qubing defeated the Xiongnu. , Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty established Yuefu...; this was also the time when Sima Qian was rich in knowledge and enthusiasm in the capital.
When he was about twenty years old, Sima Qian began to travel - "traveling to the south of the Yangtze River and Huaihe River, and going to Kuaiji to explore." Yu's point, peeking into nine doubts, floating in Yuan and Xiang, crossing Wen and Si in the north, talking about the capitals of Qi and Lu, observing the legacy of Confucius, shooting Zou and Yi in the countryside, being trapped in Po, Xue and Pengcheng, crossing Liang and Chu Return." After returning to Chang'an, he became the emperor's personal assistant. He followed Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty to Pingliang and Kongtong, and also served as an envoy to Bashu. The furthest south he reached was Kunming.
In the first year of Yuanfeng ( In 110 BC), Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty held a large-scale tour to Fengchan, with 180,000 troops on foot and banners flying for more than a thousand miles. Sima Qian's father, Sima Tan, was supposed to be a historian, but he died of illness in Luoyang and accepted his father. In the third year of Yuanfeng (108 BC), Sima Qian was thirty years old and returned to Chang'an. At the age of eight, he officially became the Taishi Ling. He had the opportunity to read all the books, archives and various historical materials collected by the Han Dynasty court. While sorting out the historical materials, he participated in the calendar reform. In the first year of Taichu (104 BC), After my country's first almanac, Taichu Li, was completed, he started writing "Historical Records"
In the second year of Tianhan (99 BC), Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty sent General Li Guangli of the Second Division to lead 30,000 troops to attack the Xiongnu. After a huge defeat and almost the entire army was wiped out, Li Guangli's grandson Li Ling was serving as the cavalry captain and led 5,000 infantrymen to fight against the Huns. Shanyu personally led 30,000 cavalrymen to defeat Li Ling's infantry regiment. Although Li Ling's archery skills were very good and his soldiers were very brave, five thousand infantrymen killed five to six thousand Huns cavalry. Chanyu mobilized more troops, but he was still unable to compete with Li Ling. When the army was retreating, one of Li Ling's soldiers rebelled and reported Li Ling's internal military information. He told Shan Yu that there were no reinforcements behind Li Ling, and taught Shan Yu's subordinates how to make continuous-fire bows and arrows, so Shan Yu continued to fight against Li Ling. In the end, Li Ling was outnumbered, and only more than 400 Han soldiers were left to break out. Li Ling was captured by the Huns and surrendered.
The ministers all condemned Li Ling for surrendering to the Huns because he was afraid of life and death. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty asked Taishi Ling Sima Qian for his opinion.
Sima Qian said: "The infantry brought by Li Ling was less than five thousand. He went deep into the enemy's hinterland and attacked tens of thousands of enemies. Although he lost the battle, he killed so many enemies, and he could also attack The people of the world have confessed that Li Ling must have had his own agenda if he refused to die immediately. He must have wanted to repay the emperor with his merits." After hearing this, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty thought that Sima Qian was defending Li Ling in this way. He deliberately belittled Li Guangli (Li Guangli was the brother of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty's favored concubine), and became furious and said: "You are so strong in defending those who surrendered to the enemy, aren't you deliberately opposing the imperial court?" He moved Sima to prison and handed it over to Tingwei for interrogation. . After Sima Qian was imprisoned, the case fell into the hands of Du Zhou, a notoriously cruel official at the time. Du Zhou interrogated Sima Qian severely, and Sima Qian endured all kinds of cruel physical and mental torture. In the face of cruel officials, he never gave in or confessed. In prison, Sima Qian kept asking himself, "Is this my crime? Is this my crime? As a minister, why can't I express my opinion?" Soon, there were rumors that Li Ling had led the Huns to attack the Han Dynasty. towards. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty believed it to be true and summarily executed Li Ling's mother, wife and son. Sima Qian was also sentenced to death for this incident.
The next year Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty killed Li Ling's family and sentenced Sima Qian to castration. Castration is a great humiliation, which brings disgrace to ancestors and makes relatives and friends laugh. Sima Qian was in prison and suffered humiliation. He was "hands-on-hand, subjected to wooden ropes, exposed to skin, subjected to banners, and secluded among the walls. At this time, when he saw the jailer, he would fight for the ground, and when he saw the slaves, he would be wary. Rest." (Sima Qian's "Report to Ren An") almost lost his life. He originally wanted to die, but then he thought about the information he had collected for many years and said: "Everyone is destined to die. It may be heavier than Mount Tai or lighter than a feather." He had a long-cherished wish to write a history book, so in order to complete the writing of "Historical Records", he endured the humiliation and endured the hardship, hoping for a slight turn of events.
In the first year of Taishi (96 BC), Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty changed the Yuan Dynasty and issued a general amnesty to the world. At this time, Sima Qian was fifty years old. After he was released from prison, he became the Secretary of the Central Committee. In the eyes of others, it may be a "respectful appointment", but he still concentrated on writing his book. It was not until the second year of Zhenghe (91 BC) that the entire book was completed, with 130 chapters and more than 520,000 words.
[Edit this paragraph] Biography
Biography
Sima Qian's boyhood was "the sun of farming and herding rivers and mountains". Sima Qian grew up in this natural environment of "mountains surrounded by water, mosaic and winding" ("Hancheng County Chronicles Preface"). He was not only influenced by the pure and beautiful atmosphere of the mountains and rivers, but also had some experience in folk life.
At the age of ten, Sima Qian followed his father to the capital Chang'an, where he had to learn from the old doctor Fu Sheng and the great Confucian Kong Anguo. Since his family had a deep academic background, he received inspiration from famous teachers and benefited a lot. At this time, when the Han Dynasty was powerful, economically prosperous, and culturally prosperous, Zhang Qian was envoyed to the Western Regions, Wei Qing and Huo Qubing defeated the Xiongnu, and Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty established Yuefu... It was also a time when Sima Qian was rich in knowledge and enthusiasm in the capital.
When he was about 20 years old, Sima Qian began to travel - "traveling to the south of the Yangtze River and the Huaihe River, going to Kuaiji, exploring Yu's cave, peeping into nine doubts, floating in Yuan and Hunan, traveling to Wen and Si in the north, giving lectures In the capitals of Qi and Lu, observing the legacy of Confucius, he went to the villages of Zou and Yi, and was trapped in Po, Xue, and Pengcheng. After returning to Chang'an, he became the emperor's close servant and accompanied Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. He visited Pingliang and Kongtong, and also served as envoy to Bashu. The furthest south he reached was Kunming.
In the first year of Yuanfeng (110 BC), Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty held a large-scale tour to Fengchan, with 180,000 people on foot and horse, and banners flying for more than a thousand miles. Sima Qian's father Sima Tan was a historian and should have been in the profession, but he died of illness in Luoyang. Sima Qian accepted his father's will and rushed to Mount Tai to participate in the Fengchan ceremony. Then he followed the East China Sea and detoured outside the Great Wall back to Chang'an. ?
In the third year of Yuanfeng (108 BC), when Sima Qian was thirty-eight years old, he officially became the Taishi Ling and had the opportunity to read all the books, archives and various historical materials collected by the Han Dynasty court. , while sorting out historical materials, he participated in changing the calendar. When the first year of Taichu (104 BC), my country's first almanac "Taichu Calendar" was completed, he began to write "Historical Records".
In the second year of Tianhan (99 BC), Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty sent General Li Guangli of the Second Division to lead 30,000 troops to attack the Xiongnu. They suffered a huge defeat and almost wiped out the entire army. Li Guangli escaped and returned. Li Guang's grandson Li Ling was serving as the cavalry captain and led 5,000 infantrymen to fight against the Huns. Shan Yu personally led 30,000 cavalry to surround Li Ling's infantry regiments. Although Li Ling's archery skills were very good and his soldiers were very brave, 5,000 infantrymen killed 5,000 or 6,000 Huns cavalry. Chanyu mobilized more troops, but he was still unable to compete with Li Ling. Just when Chanyu was about to retreat, one of Li Ling's soldiers rebelled and reported Li Ling's internal military information. He told Shanyu that Li Ling had no reinforcements behind him, and taught Shanyu's subordinates how to make bows and arrows that could fire continuously. Chanyu then continued to fight Li Ling. In the end, Li Ling was outnumbered, and only more than 400 Han soldiers were left to break out. Li Ling was captured by the Huns and surrendered.
The ministers all condemned Li Ling for surrendering to the Huns because he was afraid of life and death. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty asked Taishi Ling Sima Qian for his opinion.
Sima Qian said: "The infantry Li Ling brought was less than five thousand. He went deep into the enemy's hinterland and attacked tens of thousands of enemies. Although he lost the battle, he killed so many enemies and could attack The people of the world have confessed that Li Ling must have had his own agenda if he refused to die immediately. He must have wanted to repay the emperor with his merits." After hearing this, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty thought that Sima Qian was defending Li Ling in this way. He deliberately belittled Li Guangli (Li Guangli was the brother of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty's favored concubine), and became furious and said: "You are so strong in defending those who surrendered to the enemy, aren't you deliberately opposing the imperial court?" He moved Sima to prison and handed it over to Tingwei for interrogation. . After Sima Qian was imprisoned, the case fell into the hands of Du Zhou, a notoriously cruel official at the time. Du Zhou interrogated Sima Qian severely, and Sima Qian endured all kinds of cruel physical and mental torture. In the face of cruel officials, he never gave in or confessed. In prison, Sima Qian kept asking himself, "Is this my crime? Is this my crime? As a minister, why can't I express my opinion?" Soon, there were rumors that Li Ling had led the Huns to attack the Han Dynasty. towards. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty believed it to be true and summarily executed Li Ling's mother, wife and son. Sima Qian was also sentenced to death for this incident. The next year Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty killed Li Ling's family and sentenced Sima Qian to castration. Castration is a great humiliation, which brings disgrace to ancestors and makes relatives and friends laugh. Sima Qian was in prison and suffered humiliation. He was "hands-on-hand, subjected to wooden ropes, exposed to skin, subjected to banners, and secluded among the walls. At this time, when he saw the jailer, he would fight for the ground, and when he saw the slaves, he would be wary. Rest." (Sima Qian's "Report to Ren An") almost lost his life.
He originally wanted to die, but then he thought about the information he had collected for many years and said: "Everyone is destined to die. It may be heavier than Mount Tai or lighter than a feather." He had a long-cherished wish to write a history book, so in order to complete the writing of "Historical Records", he endured the humiliation and endured the hardship, hoping for a slight turn of events.
In the first year of Taishi (96 BC), Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty changed the Yuan Dynasty and issued a general amnesty to the world. At this time, Sima Qian was fifty years old. After he was released from prison, he became the Secretary of the Central Committee. In the eyes of others, it may be a "respectful appointment", but he still concentrated on writing his book. It was not until the second year of Zhenghe (91 BC) that the entire book was completed, with 130 chapters and more than 520,000 words.
Angrily writing "Historical Records"
Sima Qian began to read, organize historical materials, and prepare for writing after he was granted the title of Taishi Ling in the third year of Yuanfeng (108 BC). In 91 BC, all writing plans were basically completed, and it took 16 years. This is a great work that will always shine with brilliance, which he spent his whole life writing with his energy, hard work, and enduring great physical and mental pain.
"Historical Records" is China's first biographical general history, written by Sima Qian. The whole book includes twelve "chronicles", thirty "family", seventy "biographies", ten "tables", eight "books", five parts, one hundred and thirty chapters, about 526,000 pieces. Character. It records the history of about three thousand years from the legendary Yellow Emperor to the fourth year of Taichu of Han Dynasty. It is also a literary masterpiece and a pioneering work of Chinese biographical literature. The main part of it is the chronicle, the family and the biographies, among which the biographies are the essence of the book.
Sima Qian wrote historical records with a rigorous and serious attitude, and the spirit of recording is his greatest feature. Every historical figure or historical event he writes about has gone through a lot of investigation and research, and has repeatedly checked the historical facts. As early as the age of 20, Sima Qian left the capital Chang'an and traveled to famous mountains and rivers to inspect historical sites and learn about many anecdotes of historical figures as well as the people's customs and economic life in many places, which broadened his horizons and broadened his mind. . Ban Gu, a historian of the Han Dynasty, said that Sima Qian "was straightforward in his writing, focused on his affairs, did not pretend to be beautiful, and did not hide evil, so it is called a true record." In other words, his article is fair, has reliable historical facts, does not just say good things, and does not conceal bad things. This highly praised Sima Qian's scientific attitude and the detailed records of historical records.
If Sima Qian wants to adhere to the spirit of "real records", he must face reality and record reality, which inevitably leads to "taboo" issues. However, when he wrote biographies of characters, he was not bound by the conventions of traditional historical records, but recorded according to his own thoughts and feelings about historical facts. From the highest emperor to princes and nobles, to generals and ministers, to local governors, etc., Sima Qian will certainly not obliterate their magical and glorious side, but what stands out is exposing their corruption, ugliness, and their exploitation and oppression of the people. In particular, it exposed the crimes of the ruling class of the Han Dynasty. Although he was a minister of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, Sima Qian did not conceal his faults at all. He profoundly exposed and criticized the nonsense of the activities of worshiping ancestors and praying to gods that were popular at that time. In "Book of Fengchan", he vividly described the ridiculous and boring behavior of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty who was superstitious about gods and tried every means to pray for the elixir of immortality.
Sima Qian wanted to provide historical reference for feudal rulers and reflect the true history, which is very valuable. In the spirit of real records, when Sima Qian selected characters, he did not select characters based on their official positions or social status, but based on their actual behavioral performance. For example, he wrote many biographies of lower-class figures such as knights, businessmen, doctors, and advocates. In Sima Qian's mind, these people all have merit. Sima Qian pioneered the writing method of using people to describe events and always describing a person's life story. It is Sima Qian's writing style that emphasizes his "being a human being" and pays attention to the complexity of his "being a human being". When he wrote his biography, he incorporated his views into objective factual narratives to express his love and hate attitude towards the characters. For example, Sima Qian sympathized with the character Xiang Yu and wrote about this failed hero with great enthusiasm. He not only praised Xiang Yu's bravery, but also criticized him for his lack of ambition, cruelty and self-reliance. However, in "The Chronicles of Xiang Yu", Sima Qian did not comment, but his love and hate attitude towards Xiang Yu was clearly shown in the narrative. This is the biggest feature of Sima Qian's biography, that is, the unity of authenticity and tendency.
[Edit this paragraph] Ancestral Tomb
The Sima Qian Ancestral Tomb is located on the cliff of Hanyipo in Zhichuan Town, 10 kilometers south of Hancheng City. It was first built in the 4th year of Yongjia in the Western Jin Dynasty. In February 1982, the State Council announced it as a national key cultural relic protection site. The building of Sima Qian's ancestral tomb is built on the cliff from the bottom of the slope to the top, and goes up layer by layer. Climbing to the top, you can see the roaring Yellow River to the east, the majestic Liangshan Mountain to the west, the Great Wall of the ancient Wei Dynasty to the south, and the long flowing Zhishui River to the north. The spectacular natural forms and beautiful scenery reflect Sima Qian's noble personality and great achievements.
The temple and tomb complex is stacked with squares from bottom to top. There is a wooden archway erected in the northeast of the slope, which was rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty, with six characters "Sima Temple of Taishi of the Han Dynasty" written on it. From there, walk up the slope and pass by Taigong Temple to the fork in the road. There is a platform on the south side of the slope. There are newly relocated Yuan Dynasty buildings such as "Yuwang Temple", "Zhangyao Temple", "Sansheng Temple", etc., which are now designated as exhibition halls. room.
Going up from the fork in the road, there is another archway, which is connected to the buildings of Yuan and Ming dynasties. The four characters "High Mountain Yang Zhi" are written on it, which means that Sima Qian's virtue is as high as the mountains and the world respects him. From then on, he meanders up. The four characters "Heshan Zhiyang" are written on the archway. The words come out of "Taishigong's Preface" and he moved to Longmen to cultivate the sun of the rivers and mountains. After walking up the 99 steps, you enter the ancestral temple. The gate of the ancestral hall is inscribed with the words "Taishi Temple" and the dormitory. The ancient cypresses are towering in the sky and the environment is quiet. Being in it feels like climbing a blue cloud or visiting a fairyland.
[Edit this paragraph] Recalling the past and thinking about the present
China has a long history, a vast sea of ??historical records, rich and colorful historical content, and various historical figures. Our Chinese nation has a history that our descendants are proud of and fascinated by. Of course, everything has two sides. For everyone, in the face of a long and rich history, how can we understand it, learn from it, learn from it, and be enlightened and inspired? This is no longer a simple question. It seems that how to read history is indeed worthy of serious consideration and study. In my superficial opinion, the first thing is to understand and understand the most basic historical facts and historical processes, and the second thing is to focus on obtaining ideological enlightenment from history. This kind of enlightenment can be obtained through the understanding of historical facts and historical processes, and it can be discovered from the comments on history and historiography by historians in the past. Both aspects are important, and it seems that we still have a lot to do in the latter aspect, and there are still many issues that require further in-depth thinking.
Every responsible and accomplished historian in Chinese history will leave many useful revelations to future generations with the thoughts condensed with their hard work. In this regard, the first thing I thought of was naturally Ma Qian of Taishi Company. The "Tai Shi Gong Shu" written by Sima Qian - later known as "Historical Records" - on the one hand shows a brilliant general history of China at that time, and on the other hand embodies his profound understanding and understanding of historiography and history. For more than 2,000 years, people have been praising it and studying it, proving that it has great charm and immortal status. For the long historical volume presented in such a magnificent historical work, what role do individuals play in the historical movement? What important revelations do these characters, the historical stage and background in which they operate have for people today? Regarding such issues, people of different eras will have some understandings within the scope of thought of their time, and people who look at problems from different angles will also have some understandings that fall within their own field or perspective. This is a novel. Endless "historian's swan song". Despite this, in Tai Shigong's profound ideological realm, there must be some most fundamental ideas that are very important to different people in different eras.
For example, why do people study history? What methods or attitudes should people use to deal with the relationship between history and reality? This is the most fundamental question about the relationship between the public and history. To this day, people continue to raise similar questions. In fact, Tai Shigong has already given an incisive answer to this question. He wrote: "Living in today's world, we aspire to the ancient ways, so we may not be the same after looking at ourselves. Emperors have different rituals and different duties. If we want to take success as the unified discipline, how can we be embarrassed?" ("Historical Records: Emperor Gaozu") "Chronology of Heroes and Marquises" Preface) These sentences are very profound and important. First, he pointed out that the reason why people in reality want to understand and understand history is to view history as a mirror of reality, compare it, and use it as a reference. It does not mean to equate history with reality, nor to imitate reality. History, the two should not be confused. This clearly points out the connection and difference between ancient and modern times: because there is a connection, it can "mirror itself"; because there is a difference, it "may not all be the same." Second, he pointed out that in the past, emperors had "different rituals and different duties." Their systems and policies were often different, but they all aimed to achieve the fundamental purpose of governing the country. It can be seen that "self-mirror" is by no means confused with ancient and modern. These two points very dialectically illustrate why "people who live in the present" want to "remember the ancient ways." It can be seen that it is foolish to reject historical experience; it is also unwise to copy historical experience mechanically.
Another example: Does the development of human society and history have its own laws (what we call laws today)? What significance, if any, does it have for people to recognize this law? This is a fundamental issue for people to learn and study history, and first of all, it is a fundamental issue for understanding the essential attributes of history. It should be frankly admitted that this is one of the issues that people have been debating for thousands of years. This issue was also touched upon by Ma Qian of Taishi Company. From the investigation of social and economic life, he got the following understanding: Therefore, we need to wait for farmers to eat, to survive, to work, and to trade. Wouldn't it be better to have a political and religious campaign? (Preface to "Historical Records: Biographies of Huo Shi") This is a natural phenomenon in which people's division of labor and mutual relations, such as farming, mining, processing, exchange, and changes in status and status in exchange, are regarded as consistent with "Tao". When talking about similar economic phenomena, Tai Shigong also said: "There are many things, so the opposite is true. It means that when things are prosperous, they will decline, and the times will change. One quality and one article will change from beginning to end." He also said: "It is the same. Therefore, it is strange that the flow of events stimulates each other." (Later Commentary of "Historical Records Pingzhunshu") He realized that when things develop to their peak, they will turn to decline, and the favorable objective situation will develop to the top. It will also turn to the unfavorable side. This is caused by the mutual influence and conflict between various things. There is nothing surprising about it.
Obviously, the importance of people being able to realize this is not only to have a generally correct view of past history, but also to have a clearer understanding and a more objective attitude towards the actual historical movement and future historical prospects.
For another example, historical movements are mainly composed of human activities; without human activities, it is impossible to discuss various issues of the historical movements of human society. So, as an individual, what role should we play in historical activities? This not only involves people's understanding of the value of their own lives, but also involves the value of individuals as individuals in social life and historical movements. Thinkers and educators in history have various opinions on this, all of which provide useful enlightenment. Most of what they discuss is rational explanation, which can undoubtedly improve people's understanding and enrich people's spiritual world. In this regard, from the perspective of a historian, Tai Shigong calmly observed those historical figures who have not passed away after the turbulent historical tide (such as after the waves washed away the sand), and analyzed and synthesized their spiritual world and social activities, This puts forward the basic principles for writing historical figures; this principle is not only the standard for Tai Shigong to evaluate historical figures, but also the criterion for him to warn future generations on how to behave. Tai Shigong said this when summarizing the biographies he wrote for the "Historical Records": "Support your righteousness and suaveness, don't let yourself lose time, make achievements and fame in the world, and write seventy biographies." ("Historical Records Tai Shigong's Preface") "Fu Yi Suan" mainly talks about virtue and style; "Don't let yourself lose time" means being good at seizing opportunities and opportunities; "Establishing merit and fame in the world" means taking the world as one's own goal of achievement. Obviously, in Tai Shigong's opinion, the historical figures he wants to write into "Historical Records" generally fall into this type of people. However, Tai Shigong did not treat this criterion from an absolute point of view; his historical writings also vividly painted some worldly villains, and it is precisely because of the existence of these people that the writings are more vivid. The true character of an outstanding figure who entered the history books. From here, we can also see that the so-called "supporting justice and suaveness" and so on are exactly what Taishi Gong hopes for future generations. Later generations should think of themselves as "mirrors" and be decent, adaptable to the historical trend, and beneficial to the people. People in the world.
Tai Shi Gong
Sima Qian’s book "Historical Records" has left many revelations to future generations; most of these revelations are combined with specific historical events and historical figures. This is the "Historical Records" "The main reason why it is recited and revered by future generations. The three aspects of inspiration cited here focus on why people should pay attention to history, understand history, remember the experiences and lessons of history, what are the laws of historical evolution, and what should people do in historical evolution. These issues were of fundamental nature not only in Sima Qian's time but also at any time in history; they are still issues of fundamental nature even today. To sum up, people of any era can get necessary enlightenment from "Historical Records" in understanding and dealing with the relationship between history and reality, and in treating the relationship between history, society and life.
[Edit this paragraph] Supplementary information
Supplementary Note 1: Controversy over the year of Sima Qian’s birth
The first 145 is taken from "Justice" in "Taishigong's Preface" , based on the note in Zhang Shoujie's "Justice" of the Tang Dynasty: "In the first year of Taichu, the year of Qian was 42 years old." Pushing forward 42 years from the first year of Taichu (104 BC), it was the fifth year of Emperor Jing's Zhongyuan Period (AD 145 BC) Wang Guowei, Liang Qichao and others advocated this theory. The first 135 is taken from "Suoyin" in "Taishigong's Preface". According to Zhang Hua's "Natural History" of the Jin Dynasty, it is said that "Doctor Sima Qian was 28 years old in the sixth month of the sixth month, Yi Sui Mao, Shi Ye". In other words, in the third year of Emperor Wu's Yuanfeng reign (108 BC), Sima Qian was promoted to Taishi Ling at the age of 28. From this, it was pushed up twenty-eight years, that is, the sixth year of Emperor Wu's founding year (135 BC). The year Sima Qian was born. Guo Moruo and others said this. Generally speaking, it is said before.
Those who hold the "Jianyuan Sixth Year Theory" do everything possible to prove that "Natural History" is correct, but think that the records in Zhang Shouchie's "Justice" are wrong. The main reasons are as follows: First, what is recorded in this article of "Natural History" is the Han Dynasty record book, which records Sima Qian's name, age, place of residence, official title, year of appointment as official, salary, etc. It is so detailed and true. It was recorded in a document from the Han Dynasty, and its authenticity is undoubtedly true. This is a kind of original material, its value far exceeds the material in ordinary history books. Secondly, there is a sentence in Sima Qian's "Report to Ren An": "Unfortunately, this servant lost his two relatives early." According to "Justice", Sima Qian was born in the fifth year of Zhongyuan of Emperor Jing and the first year of Yuanfeng (110 BC). When his father Sima Tan died, Sima Qian should have been 36 years old. According to common sense, the death of a parent at the age of 36 cannot be described as "losing a second parent prematurely." As stated in "Natural History", Sima Qian was born in the sixth year of Emperor Wu's reign, that is, his father died at the age of 26. It is reasonable to say that he lost his parents early. Thirdly, Sima Qian's "Report to Ren An" was written in the second year of Zhenghe (91 BC). If he was born in the fifth year of Emperor Jing's reign, he would have been 55 years old this year. When he was a doctor, he was invited to travel around the world when he was around 20 years old. What happened after he came back, then, it should be said that he has been serving as the boss of the crime chariot for more than 30 years. Obviously, Sima Qian couldn't even remember what he had done. Only when he was born 10 years later, that is, the sixth year of Emperor Wu's founding, is it consistent with his theory.
In addition to relying on Zhang Shoujie's "Justice", those who hold the "theory of Emperor Jing's Zhongyuan Five Years" also raise the following questions or arguments. First, Wang Guowei believed in "Taishi Gongxing Annals" that later generations quoted "Natural History" so the year "twenty-eight" should be an error of "thirty-eight".
"Justice" notes that in the fifth year of Taichu, Sima Qian was "at forty-two", which is correct. Secondly, according to the "Historical Records? Biographies of Rangers", in the second year of Yuanshuo (127 BC), Emperor Wu ordered that wealthy households with wealth of more than three million yuan from various places be moved to Maoling. Guo Jie did not have much property, so he also After being forcibly relocated, Sima Qian also saw Guo Xie. He said, "I think Guo Xie's appearance is not as good as that of the other people, and his words are not good enough." If Sima Qian was born in the sixth year of Jianyuan, he was only nine years old at the time, and he would never have had any affection for others. Such profound observation and mental activity. If Sima Qian was born in the fifth year of Emperor Jing's reign, and his age is nineteen, it seems more appropriate. Thirdly, according to "Book of Han·The Scholars", Sima Qian once studied ancient Chinese from Kong Anguo. However, according to "Historical Records·Confucius Family" and "Zizhi Tongjian", Kong Anguo became a doctor in the second year of Yuanshuo, and Sima Qian became a doctor in the second year of Yuanshuo. He is only nine years old. It is impossible for a nine-year-old child to go to Taixue to seek advice and discuss issues from a master of Confucian classics. If he was born in the fifth year of Emperor Jing's reign, it would be nineteen years this year, which seems more reasonable. Sima Qian experienced many controversies in his life, and his birth date was the most controversial.
The Taishi Gong served by Sima Qian was established by the superstitious Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, and it was also his strategy to weaken the power of the prime minister. The specific powers of Taishi Gong are different from the Taishi Order from the Western Han Dynasty to the Eastern Han Dynasty. The annotation of the collection is like Chun said: "Hanyi notes Taishi Gong, who was appointed by Emperor Wu and placed in the prime minister's position. The plan of the world was first submitted to Taishi Gong, deputy to the prime minister, and the preface was as in the ancient Spring and Autumn Period. After Qian's death, Emperor Xuan used his official order to act as Taishi It’s just an official document.” "Hanshu" records: Taishi examines students who can write more than 9,000 words of satire, and then they will be admitted to the history. They also took the six-dimension test, and the ones with the best grades were Shangshu, Yushi, and Shishulingshi. His daughter was Mrs. Yang Chang, the prime minister of Emperor Zhao of the Han Dynasty. According to records in "Old Yi of the Han Dynasty" and "Miscellaneous Notes of Xijing", it was not until the time of Emperor Xuan of the Han Dynasty that the post of Taishi Gong was no longer held by Sima Qian's descendants. Therefore, some people think that Sima Qian was not sentenced to palace punishment by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. , A superstitious emperor like Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty would not send the Taishi Gong who he established to worship heaven and god into the silkworm room. Many historical materials also record that Li Ling was only recommended by Sima Qian, and Sima Qian may have died before Li Ling surrendered to the Huns. Sima Qian served as Taishi Gong and Zhongshu Ling during the period of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. After his death, his descendants continued to serve as Taishi Gong as world officials until Emperor Xuan of the Han Dynasty abolished Taishi Gong and demoted him to Taishi Ling, canceling the status of Sima's world official Taishi.
Emperor Wen of the Western Han Dynasty had already abolished the criminal law of corporal punishment and sitting. Whether Sima Qian was convicted for defending Li Ling (not cursing the second division general) or for recommending Li Ling, he would not be punished. Asking about the death penalty, the so-called issue of the words of Emperor Jing of the Han Dynasty does not exist. At that time, historians were independent of the emperor, and the emperor had no right to inspect the records of historians. Many of the evil deeds of the Han Dynasty recorded by Sima Qian were in this ancient Chinese The privilege of historians was preserved. It was not until the Eastern Han Dynasty that the emperor began to interfere with historian records, setting up Lantai Lingshi to be responsible for historical records, and no longer letting Taishi be responsible for recording history. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty respected Taishi very much. Not only was he promoted to Duke Taishi, but he was also hereditary official by the Sima family. Sima Tan, Sima Qian, and the descendants of Sima Qian continued to serve as Duke Taishi until the period of Emperor Xuan of the Han Dynasty.
Supplementary Note 2: Controversy over the birthplace of Sima Qian
"Taishi Gong's Preface" says: "I moved to Longmen to cultivate the sun of the rivers and mountains." Where is this Longmen? There are two different views. One is that it was in Hancheng, Shaanxi today, and the other is that it was in Hejin County, Shanxi.
The earliest person to speak of Hancheng in Shaanxi was Zhang Shoujie of the Tang Dynasty. He said in "Historical Records" "Justice": Longmen Mountain was in Xiayang County (today's Hancheng). At the same time, there were people with two surnames, Feng and Tong, living in Xucun, Guidong Township, Hancheng, and they all believed themselves to be descendants of Tai Shigong. They claimed that the surname was originally Sima. Because Sima Qian was castrated, descendants felt disgraceful and changed their surname: adding a vertical line to the left of the word "SI" in Sima to become the word "同"; adding two dots to the left of the word "马" , became the word "Feng", and is supported by the Sima Qian Temple in Zhichuan Town, Hancheng, Shaanxi Province.
Those who support Hejin County in Shanxi believe that since ancient times, Longmen (including Longmen Mountain and Yumenkou) have been recorded in Hejin County, Shanxi. The Yellow River flows from the northwest to the southeast of Yumenkou, then turns sharply and flows from the north to the south. It is exactly where Sima Qian said, "the sun of the rivers and mountains for farming and animal husbandry". It is reported that there used to be a stele "Hometown of Sima, Taishi of the Han Dynasty" here, but it was a pity that this stele was destroyed during the construction of water conservancy. And there are still residents with the Sima surname in the village.