The Master of Demon Gorge: A Chinese History Podcast

One man spearheaded the effort in the early 20th century to modernize the Chinese language. One man revolutionized the study of Chinese literature and philosophy. One man served as the Chinese ambassador to Washington during the pivotal days before and after the attack on Pearl Harbor.The same man. His name was Hu Shih.Support the show

With each example being over 3,000 years old, it's the oldest form of Chinese writing yet discovered. But the "oracle bones" bearing this script went unrecognized through the centuries. It was not until the end of the 19th century when an imperial mandarin finally understood their significance and, in so doing, expanded our understanding of Chinese history.Support the show

Country. State. Nation. English has three different words for three closely related but distinct concepts. Chinese makes do with a single character, 國, pronounced "guo."And historically "guo" has been applied to very different entities: The various Warring States were called "guo," as were fiefdoms and duchies contained within the empire, as were distant foreign countries like Persia.Moreover, particularly in connection with the controversial contemporary question of what is and isn't part of China, it's worth remembering that large swathes of what is now considered China were for centuries their own "guo" of one sort or another. The ancient kingdom of Minyue, for example, occupied more or less present Fujian Province for centuries. And even now memories of its past independence remain as folklore.Support the show

The Parisian life of the man who taught Europeans how to speak Chinese... and inspired Montesquieu. Support the show

Unfortunately for learners of Chinese as a foreign language, it is quite difficult.One major reason for its difficulty is that the language is packed with allusions to the ancient past. These may be in fixed forms as "chengyu" or as quotations or stories from history that one is simply expected to know.Here are a few illustrative examples that I recently encountered.Support the show

News coming out of Mariupol in Ukraine reminds me of an episode from the Second Sino-Japanese War, what eventually became a part of WWII.As the Chinese military was forced to withdraw from Shanghai in the face of a superior Japanese army in October 1937, one regiment stayed behind to guard a strategically located warehouse to cover the retreat. Soon, "the Eight Hundred Brave Warriors" became a rallying cry for the Chinese for the remainder of the war. Even today, their story lives on. But of course it has become more myth than fact, more propaganda than truth. And unfortunate details and tragic codas are largely forgotten.Support the show

“A man loses his horses, and yet who is to say whether it is benefit or bane?”It's a common Chinese proverb, and it refers to a fable contained in Huai Nan Zi, a Han Dynasty book of Daoist thought written by a prince of the imperial family and his group of friends.The fable has had a long and varied life. It has been quoted, or misquoted, in texts and media from the book "The Biggest Bluff" by Maria Konnikova to the film "Charlie Wilson's War" written by Aaron Sorkin. It seems to me to echo the Book of Job in the Bible. It's applicable to the ethical theory of utilitarianism. And it helps us put into perspective all that goes on in the world of politics and policy, from the US withdrawal from Afghanistan to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.Support the show

This past Tuesday was the Qing Ming or Tomb-Sweeping Festival, one of the major holidays of Chinese tradition. What is it? When? And Why?Support the show

Discover the intriguing worldview of Zhuangzi, a central figure in Daoism, who challenges the traditional dominance of Confucianism. Explore his humorous parables, like the butterfly dream, which question reality and perception. Dive into the engaging dialogues between Zhuangzi and Huishi, showcasing how mastery shapes understanding and happiness. Uncover the philosophy of 'Xiao Yao,' emphasizing radical freedom through harmony with nature, and learn how true contentment arises from aligning with life's natural rhythms.

Everyone knows his name by now. The law graduate who became a comic actor, the actor who became president, the president who became a wartime commander-in-chief.What has been relatively unremarked upon is Zelenskyy's apparent appreciation for history, particularly ancient history. And he seems to understand history in a way that makes the antique past a source of strength for him. He seems to understand history in away that is rather "Chinese."Support the show