Core Viewpoint - The exhibition "Vibrant Songs: Masterpieces of the Renaissance from the Glasgow Museum" will be held at the Sky Art Museum in Shenzhen from September 27, 2025, to January 18, 2026, showcasing a significant collection of Renaissance art [1] Group 1: Exhibition Details - The exhibition is a collaboration between the Sky Art Museum and the Glasgow Museum, marking the first stop of its China tour [1] - A total of 58 selected art pieces from the Glasgow Museum will be displayed, including 33 oil paintings, 4 sculptures, and 21 Italian handcrafted artifacts [1] - The artworks span a creation period of 500 years, highlighting the rich artistic heritage of Italy [1] Group 2: Artworks and Value - The exhibition features masterpieces from early, high, and late Renaissance artists, showcasing various themes such as humanism in religious and landscape paintings [1] - The total value of the exhibited pieces is nearly 1 billion [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the decline of classical studies (经学) in China since the late Qing Dynasty, highlighting how it has fragmented into various disciplines and lost its institutionalized academic form, becoming more of a historical material rather than a central scholarly focus [2][3][4]. Group 1: Historical Context and Transformation - The disintegration of classical studies during the late Qing and early Republic periods led to a narrowed understanding, where "elementary studies" (小学) and "historical studies of classical texts" (经学史) became the prevailing consensus in academia [3][4]. - Classical studies have been largely replaced by classical learning (古典学), which emphasizes historical literature and has become a significant part of Chinese cultural narrative, connecting modern scholarship with earlier traditions [3][4][5]. - The modern interpretation of classical studies has shifted towards a focus on textual criticism and historical documentation, leading to a diminished role for classical studies as a central academic discipline [4][5][6]. Group 2: Influence of Western Scholarship - The introduction of Western classical studies has influenced the understanding and development of Chinese classical studies, with scholars like B.A. Elman arguing that Qing Dynasty textual criticism represents a new paradigm of empirical scholarship [4][5][6]. - The modern academic framework has been shaped by the Qing Dynasty's approach to textual studies, which has been recognized as a unique path for the transition from traditional to modern scholarship in China [5][6][8]. Group 3: Methodological Approaches - Two main approaches to classical studies have emerged: one focuses on the introduction and adaptation of Western classical studies, while the other seeks to compare and integrate Western and Chinese scholarly traditions [10][11]. - The first approach emphasizes the institutionalization of classical studies as a new discipline, while the second approach aims to reflect on and adjust modern academic divisions by incorporating insights from classical studies [10][11][12]. Group 4: Philosophical Implications - The article suggests that classical studies should not be viewed merely as historical artifacts but as living concepts that engage with contemporary existence, emphasizing the need for a philosophical understanding of "classical" that transcends temporal boundaries [13][14][15]. - The interpretation of classical texts is framed as an essential human activity, where understanding and meaning-making are central to the human experience, thus linking classical studies to modern existential inquiries [15][16][17].

Core Insights - The central theme of "The World After Capital" is the transition from the industrial age to the knowledge age, where the core societal conflict shifts from "capital scarcity" to "attention scarcity" [4][10] - The author, Albert Wenger, argues that the limitations of capitalist market economies need to be addressed to facilitate a smooth transition from the industrial era to the knowledge era [4][10] Scarcity Redefined - Traditional economic theory defines scarcity based on price; however, Wenger proposes a new definition where scarcity arises when the quantity of something is insufficient to meet demand [5] - Historical context shows that human societies have experienced shifts in scarcity from food in the hunter-gatherer era to land in the agricultural era, and then to capital during the industrial revolution [6][10] Transition to Knowledge Age - The current transition indicates that scarcity is moving from capital to human attention due to advancements in digital technology, which will fundamentally alter lifestyles [6][10] - The success of capitalism has made capital less of a limiting factor in meeting personal needs, particularly in developed economies [8][10] Attention as a Scarce Resource - The author emphasizes that the knowledge age requires attention as a critical resource, akin to how machines in the industrial age required oil [11][12] - The concept of a "knowledge cycle," which includes learning, creating, and sharing, is essential for addressing attention scarcity [11][12] Digital Technology and Knowledge Cycle - Digital technology has revolutionized the knowledge cycle, allowing for unprecedented access to information, but it also poses risks such as misinformation and distraction [12][13] - The dual nature of knowledge encompasses both scientific and cultural aspects, highlighting the importance of human expression and collaboration [12][13] Future Directions - To successfully transition to the knowledge age, significant changes in self-management and collective governance are necessary [13] - The future of human development hinges on current choices and actions, emphasizing the need for both individual and collective efforts to create a more sustainable and prosperous future [13]

Core Perspective - Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" is not only a pinnacle of Renaissance art but also a timeless monument in human civilization, reflecting complex human emotions and the spirit of an era [1] Group 1: Technological Innovation and Historical Context - The painting was commissioned by Duke Ludovico Sforza for the refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie church during a time of political turmoil and cultural innovation in late 15th-century Milan [2] - Da Vinci employed a mixed technique of tempera and oil on a dry plaster wall, which led to preservation issues, making it a classic example of the conflict between artistic innovation and preservation [2] - His interdisciplinary approach, integrating anatomy and optics into the artwork, exemplifies the Renaissance spirit of blending art and science [2] Group 2: Revolutionary Composition and Visual Language - The composition breaks from medieval iconography, with Jesus at the center and the apostles arranged in groups, creating dynamic tension through body language and expressions [3] - The use of single-point perspective draws the viewer into the scene, enhancing the immersive experience and influencing future stage design [3] Group 3: Philosophical Expression of Light and Color - Da Vinci's mastery of chiaroscuro creates a dramatic contrast between light and shadow, symbolizing the duality of light and darkness [4] - The color palette, dominated by earth tones, emphasizes the vibrancy of Jesus' attire, reinforcing the theme of unity between divinity and humanity [4] Group 4: Cultural Significance and Timeless Influence - The painting transforms a biblical narrative into a human drama, reflecting the Renaissance's humanistic ideals [6] - Its influence extends to various art forms and modern media, serving as a symbol of betrayal and loyalty in contemporary culture [6] Group 5: Controversies and Mysteries - The restoration history of "The Last Supper" has sparked debates over the balance between preservation and historical integrity [7] - Misinterpretations of the artwork, such as those presented in popular culture, highlight its enduring ability to inspire imagination and discussion [7]

Academic Context and Research Approach - The author supplements the historical methodology of the "Historical Materialism School" by emphasizing the importance of utilizing existing historical materials to construct new theories, even in the absence of new archaeological findings [4] - The author reflects on the question of why China exists and maintains a vast territory, influenced by the recent discourse on "China's resurgence" [5] - The author acknowledges the impact of the study of ancient Chinese autocratic regimes from a socio-economic perspective, while also recognizing the significance of analyzing historical perspectives on the concept of "state" [5][6] Key Concepts in the Book - The author argues that the early concept of "Tian" (heaven) and "Tianxia" (under heaven) differs significantly from later Confucian interpretations, suggesting a more religiously colored understanding in early contexts [8] - The author critiques mainstream historical interpretations that overlook the religious dimensions of ancient Chinese culture, emphasizing the need to recognize the state's engagement with religion through rituals like the "sacrificial rites" [7][9] - The book reinterprets key historical texts to clarify the evolution of the concept of "Tian" from the Shang to the Zhou dynasty, highlighting the transition from ancestor worship to a more universal deity [9][10] Evolution of State Religion - The author discusses the multi-faceted development of religious beliefs during the Warring States period, suggesting that the emergence of polytheistic practices was influenced by Hellenistic theology [11] - The author posits that the Qin dynasty's adoption of the title "Emperor" reflects a direct manifestation of state religion, contrasting it with the unchanging nature of the Zhou's supreme deity [11] - The author concludes that the formation of state sacrificial rites during the Han dynasty marks a significant point in the evolution of ancient Chinese religious thought, which continued to adapt in response to changing political landscapes [12] Dialogue and Discussion - The discussions following the presentations highlight the need for a nuanced understanding of the concept of "Tian" and its relationship with religion, emphasizing the historical context in which these ideas developed [13] - The dialogue also explores the impact of cultural exchanges on the evolution of ancient Chinese civilization, suggesting that cultural changes are often influenced by external factors [14] - The discussions further address specific issues raised in the book, including the monopolization of religious practices by political authorities and its implications for the understanding of state religion [15]