Core Viewpoint - Xu Zhuoyun, a prominent historian, passed away at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy of optimism and a deep connection to his homeland despite a life marked by war and political turmoil [1][2]. Group 1: Personal Background and Legacy - Xu Zhuoyun lived in the United States for over 60 years and was known for his emotional responses when discussing historical events, particularly the Anti-Japanese War [4][5]. - He authored numerous works, including "The History of the Western Zhou" and "The Spirit of Chinese Culture," and continued to publish even in his 90s [1][10]. - His experiences during the Anti-Japanese War profoundly influenced his historical perspective, focusing on the lives of ordinary people [10][11]. Group 2: Educational Influence - Xu Zhuoyun served as a mentor to notable figures, including writer Wang Xiaobo, fostering a free and open dialogue about various subjects beyond strict academic boundaries [12][13]. - His teaching style emphasized the importance of understanding history and culture, which left a lasting impact on his students [12][13]. Group 3: Final Years and Reflections - In his later years, Xu Zhuoyun remained engaged with contemporary issues, addressing the challenges faced by younger generations and emphasizing the importance of moral integrity [15][16]. - His last works were inspired by global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and he sought to provide insights on how China could contribute positively to the world [15][16].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the significance of Xu Zhuoyun as a prominent historian and his works, which provide deep insights into Chinese history and culture, encouraging readers to adopt a broader perspective on historical events and their implications [4][30][71]. Group 1: Importance of Xu Zhuoyun - Xu Zhuoyun is regarded as one of the most important contemporary historians, comparable to other notable scholars [4]. - Tsinghua University President Qiu Yong specifically chose Xu's book to gift to new students, highlighting its value [6][45]. - Xu is seen as a "spiritual mentor" who encourages readers to engage with history to understand the world's dynamics [8][11]. Group 2: Unique Perspectives on History - Xu Zhuoyun offers deeper interpretations of historical events, such as viewing Zhao Kuangyin's "cup of wine to release military power" as a sign of China's first maturity, marking a shift in the status of military and civil officials [16]. - He perceives war not merely as conflict but as a form of communication that can lead to development through cultural exchanges [17][19]. - His approach to history encourages readers to see beyond traditional narratives and understand the underlying patterns and lessons [36][40]. Group 3: Recommended Works - The article strongly recommends the "Chinese Culture Trilogy," which includes "The Spirit of Chinese Culture," "Talking about China," and "Eternal Rivers," as essential readings for understanding Chinese history and culture [20][22][38]. - Each book in the trilogy is described as a high-quality work that provides a comprehensive view of Chinese history, culture, and customs [24][76]. - The trilogy is offered at a promotional price of ¥136.5, significantly lower than the original price of ¥182, making it an attractive purchase for readers [25][42][81].

Core Viewpoint - Xu Zhuoyun is regarded as one of the most influential historians in the Chinese-speaking world, with significant contributions to ancient history, economic history, cultural history, archaeology, and sociology [1][6][12]. Group 1: Academic Contributions - Xu Zhuoyun's major academic works include "The Ancient China Trilogy" and "The Chinese Culture Trilogy," which have become standard references for the study of ancient China, selling millions of copies worldwide [1][6]. - His ability to maintain intellectual sharpness and produce new works at over ninety years old is noted as a rare achievement in academia [6][12]. Group 2: Public Engagement - Xu Zhuoyun has gained public recognition through media appearances, such as on the program "Thirteen Invitations," where he shared his historical insights and personal experiences [3][13]. - He emphasizes the importance of education and enlightenment, advocating for the dissemination of knowledge through media to reach a broader audience [5][11]. Group 3: Influence on Youth - His writings, such as "The Eternal River" and "Xu Zhuoyun Talks About America," have significantly impacted young readers by presenting grand historical narratives in an accessible manner [8][15]. - Xu Zhuoyun's works are characterized by their blend of scholarly rigor and engaging storytelling, appealing to both academic and general audiences [11][15]. Group 4: Cultural Perspectives - He expresses a deep concern for the future of China and the world, drawing lessons from history to address contemporary issues [9][10]. - Xu Zhuoyun critiques modern civilization's challenges, particularly the disconnection between people and nature, advocating for the unique qualities of Chinese culture to offer solutions [17].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the life and contributions of the renowned historian Xu Zhuoyun, who passed away at the age of 95, highlighting his significant impact on Chinese historiography and culture [1][4]. Group 1: Biography and Academic Contributions - Xu Zhuoyun was born in September 1930 in Xiamen, Gulangyu, and settled in Pittsburgh, USA, in 1970 [4]. - He held various prestigious academic positions, including professor and department chair at National Taiwan University, and was a distinguished professor at institutions such as the Chinese University of Hong Kong, University of Hawaii, Duke University, and University of Pittsburgh [4]. - Xu is recognized as one of the most influential historians in the Chinese-speaking world, with notable works including the "Ancient China Trilogy" and the "Chinese Culture Trilogy," along with numerous popular history books [4]. - His work "万古江河" won the third "National Library Wenjin Book Award" [4]. Group 2: Awards and Recognition - Xu Zhuoyun received several prestigious awards, including the Asian Studies Association Special Contribution Award in 2004, the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Fourth Global Chinese National Studies Conference in 2020, and the "2022-2023 Influential World Chinese Lifetime Achievement Award" in 2023 [4]. - He is set to receive the Sixth Tang Prize in Sinology in 2024 [4].

Core Viewpoint - Renowned historian Xu Zhuoyun passed away on August 4 in Pittsburgh, USA, at the age of 95, leaving behind a significant legacy in historical research focused on the common people and Chinese culture [1][2]. Group 1: Personal Background and Career - Xu Zhuoyun was born on September 3, 1930, in Xiamen, Fujian, and moved to the United States in 1970, where he became a professor in the History Department at the University of Pittsburgh [2]. - His research primarily focused on Chinese cultural history, social economic history, and ancient Chinese history, with notable works including "On Ancient Chinese Social History," "Agriculture in the Han Dynasty," and "The History of the Western Zhou" [2][9]. - He emphasized writing for the common people, stating that his historical research always aimed to reflect the lives of ordinary citizens [4][10]. Group 2: Influences and Themes in Research - Xu's experiences during the Anti-Japanese War, particularly witnessing the struggles of ordinary people, profoundly influenced his perspective on history, leading him to focus on the lives of the common folk [6][9]. - He expressed a desire for China to adopt the strengths of various governance systems to create a better society for its citizens [4][10]. - His later works, including "Xu Zhuoyun Talks About America," reflect his observations of American society and history, aiming to draw parallels and lessons for China [5][10]. Group 3: Legacy and Impact - Xu Zhuoyun's teaching career included mentoring notable figures such as writer Wang Xiaobo, influencing their literary and historical perspectives [15][16]. - His approach to history, which prioritized social and cultural aspects over prominent historical figures, has been both praised and critiqued, but he maintained that the focus should be on the lives and thoughts of ordinary people [9][10]. - His works continue to resonate, as they address the complexities of modern civilization and the importance of understanding historical context in shaping contemporary society [13][14].