历史学家许倬云：一生只做旁观者

Group 1 - Core viewpoint: Xu Zhuoyun, a prominent historian, passed away at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy of historical research focused on ordinary people's lives and experiences [1] Group 2 - Early life: Xu was born in 1930 in Wuxi, Jiangsu, and faced physical challenges due to congenital muscular atrophy, which influenced his perspective as a historian [2][3] - Impact of war: His childhood was marked by the Second Sino-Japanese War, which shaped his understanding of suffering and the human condition, leading to a focus on the experiences of ordinary people in his historical studies [3][6] Group 3 - Academic journey: After moving to Taiwan in 1948, Xu studied history at National Taiwan University and later pursued further studies in the United States, where he was influenced by civil rights movements [5][6] - Shift in historical focus: Xu's work emphasized social and cultural history, challenging traditional narratives that centered on prominent figures, which garnered both criticism and recognition [6][9] Group 4 - Later years: In his later life, Xu aimed to guide younger generations in finding personal meaning amidst societal changes, sharing insights through various media [10][11] - Engagement with contemporary issues: He actively discussed modern societal challenges, including the impact of the pandemic and the role of technology, emphasizing the importance of humanistic values [11][12]