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 - 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].