Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the life and contributions of Xu Zhuoyun, a prominent Chinese historian, emphasizing his dedication to history and culture, as well as his impact on contemporary society through his writings and teachings [3][21][22]. Group 1: Contributions to Historical Scholarship - Xu Zhuoyun published over 20 books and nearly 200 articles after his retirement in 1999, demonstrating his relentless pursuit of knowledge and sharing it with the public [2][22]. - His works, such as "The Eternal Rivers" and "Talking about China," explore the evolution of Chinese culture and the concept of "China" from a global perspective [7][21]. - He adopted a broad historical view, focusing on social and cultural history rather than just prominent figures, which reflects his belief in the importance of ordinary people's lives [21][22]. Group 2: Personal Philosophy and Legacy - Xu expressed a desire to awaken dreams and rectify misconceptions for the Chinese people, indicating his commitment to cultural and historical consciousness [3][22]. - He encouraged young people to seek meaning in life amidst a fast-paced, individualistic society, advocating for a deeper understanding of history [4][22]. - His metaphor of the "parrot extinguishing fire" illustrates his persistent efforts to contribute positively to society, despite the challenges he faced [21][22]. Group 3: Life Experiences Shaping His Views - Xu's early life experiences, including his physical limitations and observations during wartime, shaped his perspective as a "bystander" in history, leading to a profound understanding of the struggles of ordinary people [12][15]. - His education and mentorship under notable scholars in Taiwan and the United States further refined his historical approach, allowing him to develop a unique perspective on cultural and social changes [16][18]. - Throughout his career, he maintained a focus on the common people's experiences, which became a central theme in his writings and teachings [19][21].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of superficial mourning for celebrities in the age of social media, highlighting the contrast between ritualized public expressions of grief and the lack of deep personal connection to the individuals being mourned [4][5][6]. Group 1: Social Media and Mourning - Social media has transformed mourning into a performative act, where expressions of grief often serve more to enhance personal identity than to genuinely honor the deceased [5][6]. - The concept of "interactive ritual chains" explains how collective mourning creates a temporary sense of belonging among users, but often lacks true emotional depth [5][6]. Group 2: Impact on Understanding - The trend of consuming information in bite-sized formats leads to a superficial understanding of significant figures, reducing complex individuals to mere labels or symbols [7][8][9]. - This shallow engagement with knowledge results in a broader societal issue where deep thinking and understanding are increasingly rare [9][10]. Group 3: Potential Positive Outcomes - Despite the superficiality, sharing posts about notable figures can raise awareness and potentially encourage deeper exploration of their work in the future [12][15]. - The act of mourning may reflect a collective yearning for values and qualities embodied by these figures, suggesting a deeper societal aspiration [14][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 - 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].