In American schools, history education is often seen as a cultural inheritance and a construction of self-identity. When these history textbooks try to cover ancient civilizations in foreign countries, such as China, it becomes a cross-cultural dialogue. China, an ancient civilization with thousands of years of history, is described only on a few pages in American history textbooks, but these pages, despite their brevity, attempt to depict important people and events in Chinese history. This article attempts to lead readers to understand the profound impact of these historical figures not only on China, but also on the world through storytelling.
In the long history, the figure of Confucius has always been solemn and bright. During the Spring and Autumn Period, in the small town of Qufu in the state of Lu (in present-day Shandong Province), Confucius and his students were discussing the Confucian ideas of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and faith. They sat in the spacious courtyard, the leaves of the sycamore trees swaying gently, and the voice of Confucius was calm and firm.
"The benevolent, the lover. Confucius looked at his disciple Yan Hui and slowly explained, "Establish oneself and reach others, and govern the country and the people." ”
And in the far west, hundreds of years later in the United States, a history teacher is introducing Confucius to his students. "He was not only a great thinker in China, but also influenced the cultural foundations of East Asia as a whole. The teacher writes "Confucius" on the blackboard, next to a portrait of Confucius.
Qin Shi Huang is a different kind of leader. His deeds of unification are vividly described in the textbooks. From his exile in Zhao when he was young, to his accession to the throne at the age of 21 and the beginning of the great journey of unifying the six kingdoms at the age of 28. In the palace of Qin Shi Huang, he stood on a high city wall and looked out at the city of Xianyang below.
"I want the world to be unified, and the six countries are like six horses, which must be controlled!" Qin Shi Huang said to Li Si beside him.
Li Si responded in a low voice: "The king is wise, and the unified world will be stable for a long time." ”
And in a high school class in the United States, a teacher is discussing Qin Shi Huang's policy of unification: "He unified weights and measures, writing, and even currency, which brought unprecedented integration to China." ”
The story of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty is equally exciting. His empire traversed the vast Asian continent and was indirectly connected to distant countries such as the Roman Empire. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty said to his ministers in the palace: "I want to expand the territory, connect the four seas, and make the prestige of the Han Dynasty spread far and wide." ”
The ministers responded in unison: "The saint is talented and strategic, and he will definitely be able to expand the frontier of the Han Dynasty." ”
In the classroom, the children were amazed by the eloquence of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, and the teacher explained: "Not only did he love to fight, but he also vigorously promoted Confucianism, trying to unify ideas with culture." ”
As the bell rang for the lecture, the children sighed or pondered, and the stories of these historical figures seemed to still echo in their ears. The wisdom of Confucius, the ambition of Qin Shi Huang, and the vision of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, the lives and thoughts of these historical figures, although they are only a brief page in American textbooks, are enough to inspire a thirst for knowledge and respect for history.
History is a mirror of time and a bridge of culture. From Confucius's Confucianism to Qin Shi Huang's great cause of unification, to the brilliant achievements of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, these Chinese historical figures have not only shaped the spiritual outlook of the Chinese nation, but also had a profound impact on world history. Despite the fact that they span thousands of mountains and rivers, American history textbooks are able to present the unique charm of these stories and help students understand the value and importance of different cultures. This is not only the inheritance of knowledge, but also a kind of cultural respect and understanding. In an increasingly diverse world, understanding and respecting the histories of different cultures is a bridge that bridges our way together.