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 - 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].