Core Points - The 11th Nishan World Civilization Forum will be held in Qufu, Shandong from July 9 to 10, 2025, focusing on the theme "Each Beauty is Beautiful, and Beautiful Together - The Relationship Between Civilizations and Global Modernization" [2][3] - The forum aims to address pressing global issues through dialogue among different civilizations, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange and mutual understanding [2][3] - Various subtopics will be discussed, including the origins and future development of civilizations, the global significance of Confucian culture, and the role of artificial intelligence in human civilization [2][3] Group 1: Forum Overview - The Nishan Forum has become a significant platform for global experts to contribute wisdom for the future development of human civilization since its establishment in 2010 [2] - The forum's theme reflects the need for dialogue among civilizations amidst increasing political conflicts and economic barriers globally [2][3] Group 2: Cultural Significance - Qilu culture, rooted in Confucian thought, is highlighted as a representation of traditional Chinese culture and its relevance in modern times [5][6] - The forum emphasizes the importance of understanding and utilizing the wisdom of Confucianism to address contemporary global challenges [5][6][9] Group 3: Museum's Role - Museums are seen as crucial in preserving and innovating cultural heritage, serving as a bridge for civilization exchange [3][5] - The Shandong Museum, as a cultural space, plays a vital role in promoting Confucian culture and enhancing public understanding of historical values [5][9] Group 4: Digital Innovation - The Shandong Museum is focusing on digitalization to enhance visitor experience, including the use of 3D technology and online exhibitions [12][13] - Future plans include the establishment of a digital exhibition hall and a polar exploration center, aiming to attract more visitors and engage the public [13][14]

Core Viewpoint - The difficulty of reading ancient texts stems from complex language, the vast number of available texts, and the significant cultural and philosophical distance from contemporary understanding [2][3]. Group 1: Challenges in Reading Ancient Texts - The first challenge is the complexity of the language, where readers often recognize individual characters but struggle to grasp the overall meaning [2]. - The second challenge is the sheer volume of ancient texts, with over 200,000 existing works, including more than 3,400 titles in the "Siku Quanshu," totaling approximately 800 million characters [2]. - The third challenge is the cultural and philosophical differences, as ancient ethical norms and worldviews can be vastly different from modern perspectives [2]. Group 2: Importance of Reading Ancient Texts - Ancient texts serve as a material carrier of traditional culture, preserving the wisdom of past generations, such as Confucius's reflections in "Lunyu" and Sima Qian's historical insights in "Shiji" [3]. - These texts contain high-level skills in language expression and thought, exemplified by concise yet profound works like "Zuo Zhuan" and "Zhuangzi" [3]. Group 3: Approaches to Reading Ancient Texts - To effectively read ancient texts, one must cultivate interest and discipline, as these texts offer rich humanistic wisdom and life insights [4]. - Modern readers have access to useful tools such as the "Dictionary of Common Ancient Chinese Characters" and various bibliographic works, which facilitate understanding and selection of texts [3].

Core Viewpoint - The article explores the historical significance and cultural heritage of the Yangguan and Yumenguan sites along the Silk Road, emphasizing their roles as gateways to the West during the Han Dynasty and their enduring legacy in Chinese history and literature [1][9][25]. Group 1: Historical Significance - Yangguan was established around 107 BC during the Han Dynasty and served as a crucial checkpoint on the southern route of the Silk Road until the Tang Dynasty [3][4]. - The ruins of Yangguan are located in a historically rich area, with evidence of ancient artifacts found in the surrounding "Antique Beach," indicating a long history of human activity [3][4]. - Yumenguan, alongside Yangguan, was pivotal in controlling access to the Western regions, facilitating trade and cultural exchange between China and Central Asia [8][25]. Group 2: Cultural Heritage - The sites are immortalized in classical Chinese poetry, with famous lines from poets like Wang Wei and Li Bai reflecting the emotional and cultural connections to these locations [10][12][13][17]. - The historical narratives surrounding Yangguan and Yumenguan have inspired numerous literary works, enhancing their significance beyond mere geographical locations [9][25]. - The article highlights the transformation of these sites from military outposts to cultural symbols, attracting tourists and scholars interested in their rich history [1][9][29]. Group 3: Archaeological Insights - Recent archaeological efforts have aimed to uncover more about the structures and artifacts at Yangguan, including the "Stone Gate Beacon" which served as a lookout point [4][6]. - The construction techniques of the Han Dynasty, utilizing local materials for building fortifications, are noted as a reason for the enduring nature of the Great Wall and related structures [18][20]. - The findings from excavations at Yumenguan, including the large granaries, suggest its role in military logistics and supply during the Han Dynasty [21][23].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the cultural phenomenon of "taboo words" (避讳) in ancient China, highlighting its historical significance and various methods of avoidance used in literature and daily life [4][11][23]. Group 1: Definition and Historical Context - "Taboo words" refer to the practice of avoiding the direct mention of names of rulers, ancestors, and revered figures in ancient Chinese society, which has been documented since the Zhou Dynasty [4][14]. - The practice of avoiding taboo words became more formalized during the Tang and Song dynasties, with specific laws and regulations established to govern its use [16][17]. Group 2: Methods of Avoidance - Common methods of avoiding taboo words include changing characters (改字), leaving characters blank (空字), and reducing strokes in writing (缺笔) [7][8]. - The practice of reducing strokes was first noted in Tang dynasty inscriptions, where characters were intentionally altered to avoid offending the names of emperors [8]. Group 3: Cultural Impact and Examples - The phenomenon of taboo words permeated various aspects of Chinese literature, including classical texts and popular novels, indicating its deep integration into cultural practices [10][19]. - Numerous historical examples illustrate the lengths to which individuals and officials would go to avoid taboo words, including changing names of places and even altering official titles [21][22]. Group 4: Evolution Over Time - The strictness of taboo word practices fluctuated over time, with the Song dynasty seeing the most extensive regulations, while the Yuan and Ming dynasties relaxed these rules significantly [17][18]. - By the Qing dynasty, the avoidance of taboo words became particularly stringent again, with severe penalties for violations [18]. Group 5: Modern Relevance - Today, the practice of avoiding taboo words is largely a historical artifact, serving as a tool for scholars to study ancient texts and understand cultural norms of the past [23].

Group 1 - The essence of financial understanding is crucial for navigating economic cycles, as highlighted by Bernanke's analogy of the Federal Reserve as a "conductor of the economic train" in the context of a potential global debt crisis in 2025 [5] - The book "The Essence of Finance" simplifies complex economic concepts for ordinary readers, using relatable analogies such as comparing inflation to the price of bread on supermarket shelves [5] - The analysis of the 2008 financial crisis serves as a foundational lesson for understanding current economic fluctuations [5] Group 2 - The historical novel "Qin Li" reflects modern workplace survival rules through the protagonist's journey in the Qin dynasty's military merit system, illustrating the enduring dynamics of institutional and human interactions [8] - The narrative emphasizes the relevance of ancient governance mechanisms in contemporary corporate structures, revealing the underlying logic of organizational operations [8] - The book's meticulous research provides insights into the timeless struggle between systems and human nature, offering readers a lens to view both historical and modern contexts [8]

Core Viewpoint - The article reflects on a recent exploration of historical sites along the Silk Road, particularly focusing on the mausoleum of Emperor Wu of Han, highlighting the significance of historical preservation and cultural heritage in understanding ancient civilizations [1][2][57]. Group 1: Historical Significance - The exploration included visits to key cities such as Xi'an, Baoji, Lanzhou, Dunhuang, and Wuwei, emphasizing the rich historical context of the Silk Road [1][2]. - The construction of the Maoling Mausoleum began when Emperor Wu ascended the throne, with one-third of the national tax revenue allocated annually for over fifty years to its development, showcasing the scale of imperial projects during the Han Dynasty [2][4]. Group 2: Architectural Features - The Maoling Mausoleum features a grand layout with a complete road system, inner and outer walls, and large pools connected by canals, reflecting the power of the Han Empire [4]. - The mausoleum complex includes various sections such as the main tomb, accompanying burial sites, and areas for the workers who built the tomb, covering an area of approximately 9.5 kilometers east to west and 7 kilometers north to south [2][4]. Group 3: Cultural Artifacts - The Maoling Museum houses a rich collection of artifacts, including 5,244 items, with notable exhibits from the tomb of General Huo Qubing, highlighting the military prowess of the Han Dynasty [6][9]. - Artifacts such as the gilded crossbow mechanism and terracotta figurines illustrate the advanced craftsmanship and cultural practices of the Han era, including the significance of horses in their society [10][12][20]. Group 4: International Engagement - The article describes an interaction with a French delegation, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange and the global interest in Chinese history, particularly the Han Dynasty [23][33]. - The collaboration between Chinese and French experts in preserving the Maoling site exemplifies international efforts in heritage conservation [33].