The Master of Demon Gorge: A Chinese History Podcast

Huang Zongxi, a pivotal figure in Chinese democratic thought, discusses his esteemed work, 'Waiting for Dawn'. He critiques despotism and advocates for a Confucian-based political reform strategy. The conversation unveils his remarkable journey through the Ming to Qing Dynasty transition, highlighting his intellectual defiance and contributions across multiple disciplines. Furthermore, Huang's insights foster a dialogue between traditional Chinese values and Western democratic philosophies, emphasizing the essential role of people's authority in governance.

Until the advent of modern scholarship, the earliest definitive date in the chronology of Chinese history was 841 B.C. What happened that year that so marked the calendar?Support the show

Zhang Zhongjing, a renowned physician of the Han Dynasty, shares fascinating insights into his life and groundbreaking contributions to ancient Chinese medicine. He discusses his early inspirations and determined path in medicine, underscoring his fight against the deadly Shanghan disease. Zhang also highlights the rise of fraudulent practitioners during epidemics, which propelled him to write pivotal medical texts. His enduring legacy is reflected in the continued relevance of his writings in today's traditional practices.

Li Jie was an influential architect and scholar from the Song Dynasty who authored 'Ying Zhao Fa Shi', a seminal work that standardized architectural practices. In this discussion, he sheds light on his journey from an unsung hero to a key figure in Chinese architecture. The conversation highlights his role as governor of Guojo and the challenges he faced in gaining recognition for his contributions. Through his narrative, listeners gain insight into the evolution of medieval architecture and the importance of preserving historical knowledge.

Everyone knows that Shang Yang reformed the laws and institutions of the State of Qin, setting it up for superpower status and paving the way to the Qin Dynasty. But a number of earlier reformers prefigured Shang Yang. Here are two of them.Support the show

Discover the life of Wang Yangming, a pivotal philosopher from the Ming Dynasty, and his profound influence on Taiwanese history. Explore the blend of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism in his teachings, and how they shaped moral cultivation during a politically tumultuous era. Delve into the challenges he faced with civil service exams and the impact of his ideas on both Chinese and Western thought. Learn how his legacy interconnects with the renaming of Mount Yangming in Taipei, symbolizing a rich philosophical heritage.

The 6th century B.C. statesman of the State of Zheng promulgated the first published criminal code in Chinese history. Moreover, it is through him that we know how the ancient Chinese understood the nature of the soul.Support the show

The hedonist tradition in Chinese philosophy.Support the show

The economic conference of 81 B.C. and the book that resulted from it.Support the show

On the late-5th and early-6th century work of literary criticism and its author.Support the show