Studying history helps us recognize gain and loss, have perspective on gain and loss, and understand the course of history; studying poetry can lift our spirits, build our aspirations, and quicken our minds; studying ethics helps us learn honor and shame, understand glory and disgrace, and know right from wrong.
-- Speech given by Xi Jinping at the celebration assembly of the 80th anniversary of the Central Party School and the opening ceremony of its 2013 spring semester, March 1, 2013
Having Perspective on Gain and Loss and
Understanding the Course of History
-- Studying history and using history as a mirror
The saying "having perspective on gain and loss and understanding the course of history" originated from "Biography of Wei Zheng," The New Book of Tang. The original text reads, "You can straighten your clothes out in a mirror of copper, you can learn the course of history in the mirror of time, and you can understand gain and loss in the mirror of man." Xi Jinping used the saying "have perspective on gain and loss and understand the course of history" to encourage leading officials to study history and learn from the best that civilization has to offer.
The New Book of Tang was a biographical dynastic history of the Tang compiled by Ouyang Xiu (1007-1072), Song Qi (998-1061), Fan Zhen (1007-1088), and Lü Xiaqing (1015-1068), and is considered one of the Twenty-Four Histories. The "Collected Biographies" section narrates the life deeds of various people as a record for posterity. Wei Zheng (580-643) was a well-known statesman during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) with a forthright nature, exceptional knowledge, and knack for boldly speaking his mind to the emperor. In order to protect and solidify the feudal rule of the Tang Dynasty, he submitted more than 200 remonstrations to the throne, asking Tang Emperor Taizong to learn from the lessons of history, plan for danger in times of peace, strive to have the best governance, and employ worthy ministers and heed their words. The saying quoted above was Emperor Taizong's fond view of Wei Zheng after losing Wei, his faithful minister.
"Histories record deeds." History is a true record of the rise and fall of nations and countries and an accumulation of generation after generation of human knowledge, experience, and wisdom. In this sense, history is "lessons from those traveling ahead of us." We can imitate and learn from the gains of our predecessors, and we can also take history as a cautionary lesson. The Russian philosopher Alexander Herzen once said, "By understanding the past more fully we get a clearer view of the present; delving more deeply into the past, we discover the meaning of the future; looking back, we go forward." The famous American futurist Alvin Toffler said, "If we do not learn from history, we shall be compelled to relive it." These well-known sayings show from different angles the importance of learning from history: learn from history and thrive.
Tang Emperor Taizong's achievement was "Zhenguan governance", because he knew the importance of "having perspective on gain and loss and understanding the course of history" - he was a master of learning from historical experience, and he excelled at listening to others' opinions.
On multiple occasions, Xi Jinping stressed making reading a part of a healthy lifestyle. As the country's highest leader, Xi Jinping finding time in his jam-packed workday to read and turning this into a lifestyle truly makes him a model that all leading officials should learn from. Furthermore, the group study system of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau also serves to carry on the Party's outstanding tradition of emphasizing studying hard.
These words from Xi Jinping explain why we need to study history and culture. They provide insight into the social function and value judgments we gain from studying traditional cultural knowledge such as history, poetry, and ethics. Studying history cultivates our ability to understand and critique history and reality. Studying poetry increases our ability to enjoy and appreciate the fine things and emotions in life. Studying ethics teaches us the standards of morals and decorum we should follow when interacting with others and society.
In today's global world, leading officials need to not only understand their own country's history and culture, but also have global vision and absorb the best that all civilizations of the world have to offer. The histories and cultures of all countries can give us a broad view in which to understand, tolerate, and respect others. They also give us completely new perspectives from which to approach our own cultural traditions.
Leading officials need to not only have unique views on carrying on their national culture and developing local culture, but also be confident enough to equally engage with different cultures of the world. This will truly give them border-crossing insight and a world vision, as well as the ability to carve out a place for themselves amidst fierce international competition.
(An excerpt from XI JINPING: WIT AND VISION -- SELECTED QUOTATIONS AND COMMENTARY, published by FOREIGN LANGUAGES PRESS in 2015)
