Shi Jingqian chose a day that is difficult for the world to forget to go to heaven, which is very much in line with his humorous nature. His humor is a very solid and intrinsic type; the choice of joyful holiday season is in line with his lifelong character of not being afraid of loneliness. Media friends about to write to commemorate Shi Jingqian, his topic author has written a lot. Is there anything new to dig into? Should still be. For example, the history of lecture qi may be less spoken of. So, let's take a look at this side of Shi Jingqian.
Brief introduction to the writings
The Death of Wang
Based on the local chronicles of Tancheng in Shandong Province, Huang Liuhong's "The Complete Book of Fuhui" and Pu Songling's "Liaozhai Zhiyi", the living environment and imagination space of the small people in the early Qing Dynasty are discussed.
"Memories of Dreams of the Former Dynasty"
While writing about Zhang Dai's life, inner twists and memories of the past, he also explores in depth how Zhang Dai, as an intellectual, established his own existence value through memory and history revision.
John Hu's Question
A Chinese Catholic, John Hu, went to France because of The Promotion of Father Fu Shengze, but because of his obedient behavior, he was exiled to a foreign country, and even put in a lunatic asylum, and only three years later was able to return to his hometown in Guangdong.
Matteo Ricci's Palace of Memory
At the beginning of the Age of Discovery, Matteo Ricci tried to use memory to open the door to China and change this unfamiliar culture. In this way, Shi Jingqian cleverly built a complete picture of the intersection of two great civilizations.
Shi Jingqian (1936.8.11-2021.12.25) photography Muto
"Encounter with Shi Jingqian" "Through the discussion of the translation authorization of a book, the author began the process of getting to know and interacting with Shi Jingqian for more than ten years."
Shi Jingqian and Jin Anping. Photography Muto
Shi Jingqian signed it to the reader. Photography Muto
A sinologist with a personality that is reversed by two laws
Shi Jingqian is a typical British gentleman. Gentle but very calm, not arrogant but never talking much to people; although it is gentle, he prefers to be alone. The words elegance, insight, profundity, and reservedness were often with him. Especially after winning applause all over China, he became more alert, self-sufficient and avoidant. He generally has fewer final meetings or events than he leaves the table halfway through, and does not speak much in public but smiles. Although he does not have the popularity, arrogance and sourness of the average big name, in the eyes of ordinary people, his personality is difficult to link with "lecture qi".
But Shi Jingqian did lecture on righteous qi, but the way he lectured on righteous qi was not presented in a form that ordinary people understood. Shi Jingqian is an observer in his bones and a person who has entered the world very deeply, and with his wisdom, he has already understood the world's conditions, but he is still inevitably bound by the world. As a celebrity or public figure, he could not refuse all kinds of entertainment and even signing and welcoming parties, but he was tired of it in his heart. Western scholars are mostly old people, knowing that the public and readers cannot afford to offend, and they can usually play their roles well on corresponding occasions. But they refuse to socialize in their hearts, and they never make friends on social occasions. But if he confirms that you are an academic peer or that you are talking to him about learning, his deep passion often blossoms unexpectedly. This is how every celebrity memoir of all kinds of celebrities talks about meeting with a celebrity scholar for only twenty minutes, and then he can't stop talking for three hours... This fact is indeed common. The ancients "hissed their voices, asked for their friends", which is about to say this state of knowing the heart. Shi Jingqian's "righteous qi" is different from others, and we have examples to illustrate later.
Shi Jing is like gold when he is sorry. He was by no means willing to delay in worldly activities except for necessity. In the mid-1990s, when I was combing through the history of Western Sinology, I read most of his works and felt that his writing style was unique. Interestingly, the New York Times also often published his articles about China. As a scholar of the Academy who often wrote high-headed sermons, he was the most familiar scholar to the general public in the United States, and gradually became a coordinate of mass culture, almost on par with Fairbank. If only the essay is written, Shi Shi writes more magnificently. Shi Jingqian's writing is very beautiful, he is well versed in the beginning and end of the article, and a mediocre thing will be new and funny to his pen. Many ordinary American readers are interested in the affairs of distant ancient China, and you have to say that Shi Jingqian is credited; and although he writes full of legends, most of them spread positive energy.
Of course, all of the above things have also become some of his abnormalities. Some people in American academic circles criticized him and some people were jealous of him. Most of the critics know that his approach to historiography is a bit strange or wild fox Zen, and he is evil to luzi wild. But Mr. Shi served as the head of the history department at Yale University, the home of the most authentic denomination in the United States, and also served as president of the American Historical Society. These ironclad facts alone can often silence the attacker. And I met him in such a situation.
The second is the fate of Shi Jingqian
In order to sort out the history of American sinology, I read his academic resume, Shi Cheng, and his treatises, and even his humble and unappreciated book reviews, newspaper articles, and notes and essays were basically browsed. Coincidentally, around the fall of 1998, the Asian Society of America organized a seminar on China, which was led by Shi Jingqian. I was overjoyed and rushed to the venue on time. At that time, Shi Jingqian was already a celebrity, and I was surprised that the audience of such a professional academic conference was full in advance, and it was difficult for latecomers to enter the venue even with tickets. Of course the speech was great, and what is memorable is my interaction with him after the lecture.
There was a cocktail party at the end of the meeting, but Shi Jingqian wanted to slip away. Unfortunately, the reception was held in the hall, and as soon as he appeared, he was picked up by an enthusiastic audience. He was a little embarrassed to cope, but still patiently socialized with everyone. When it was my turn, he smiled and thought it was a general hello, but he didn't expect me to come prepared. I knew he didn't want to waste time, so I asked him if a small book, "Change Europe", could be copyrighted and translated into Chinese.
"Changing Europe?" You're asking about Changing China, right? The book is already being translated in Taiwan. Shi Jingqian laughed.
"Nope. Changing Europe, a transcript of a lecture you gave at Middlebury College in October 1988. I replied.
"Oh, it's that book. I know. How do you know about it? ”
"I have read the work notes and other materials that you prepared for writing that book before and after, and I think the content is very precious." I'll reply again.
Obviously, my answer intrigued Shi Jingqian. He told me, "Or we'll talk later." You wait for me in front of me. If you don't mind, let's talk together on my way back to the hotel. ”
"Nice!" Of course I'm excited – there's a door to this.
The snake walked for a long time, and I squeezed out the gate. Stop just outside the door. Sure enough, Shi Jingqian was surrounded by people for a long time and escaped.
On the way, he knew that I was doing research on the history of Western sinology, and he valued his early research, and he knew from his knowledge of this little book that was not well known to everyone. This book is actually his early years to Paris, Rome and other places to excavate the period 1680-1735 Chinese or Related to China in France a few "Chinese cases" and grotesque history. Among them were the Early European women who cheated in the name of China; McCaw Shen, who accompanied the Jesuit priests to Rome as an entourage to see the Pope; and of course, there was a Chinese cityman, John Hu, who had only a very simple education and limited knowledge of Chinese characters, but was half coaxed and half deceived to go to France. Hu Ruowang went to France to see the European city culture and wanted to educate the French, and was finally sent to an insane asylum.
Louis Gaugh and Stephen Young, who are finally scholars, are French Jesuits who want to engage in "people-to-people diplomacy", invite them to France to experience France's advanced culture and technology, and hope that they will return to China to introduce them to influence the government and the opposition. Unexpectedly, they were finally detained in France and had difficulty returning to Beijing.
This alarmed Louis XV and the Queen of France, and the French minister sponsored them to return to China on the condition that they go forward to visit French industry and technology and go to China to publicize to the emperor and the people. After these two folk emissaries were fortunate enough to be generously gifted back to China, they encountered Qianlong's policy of locking up the country, and they did not dare to fulfill their promises and survived in anonymity...
This is the "dry goods base camp" for Sino-French exchange of historical materials excavated by Shi Jingqian with great diligence in the early days. Those who are familiar with Shi Jingqian should know that some of the contents of this are later written into monographs (such as "The Doubts of Hu Ruowang"), and some of them are later compiled into monographs but repeatedly presented in his different works, or become potential academic undercurrents. Later, as Shi Jingqian became more and more famous, he was forced to go by different things and topics; but he obviously had a fondness for his early years of research. So, as soon as I mentioned this topic, his eyes would suddenly light up, like a flame flashing in the dark blue sky.
Apparently, he had not forgotten his old works.
Three twists and turns of authorization
"I'm glad you remembered this early work of mine." Shi Jingqian began to feel emotions.
"Not only do I remember it, I'm very interested in it, I think chinese academics and ordinary readers will also be interested in it." If you agree with me translating it into Chinese, I believe it will attract the attention of chinese academic circles and stimulate in-depth research. ”
"Are you sure?" Shi Jingqian raised an eyebrow.
"I'm not sure, but based on my own judgment and the reading hotspots of my academic friends and general readers, I can be sure that this small book will not disappoint Chinese readers and you."
Seeing the sincerity and confidence in my words, Shi Jingqian was ignited- "I will agree, but I will coordinate with the original publishing department." When do you want it? ”
I was a little overjoyed, "Of course the sooner the better!" ”
"Well, you wait. How do I contact you? ”
I immediately gave him the address, phone number, and e-mail address I had written. Seeing that I was well prepared, Shi Jingqian was very happy: "I like someone as attentive as you. From all this careful consideration of the details, I know that you are really willing to do this well. ”
As he spoke, in the drizzle he had reached the hotel he was staying in New York; though a little hesitant, I knew it was time to break up.
I thought he personally promised that there should be no problem in this. However, I didn't expect good things to grind, and there was no news of him for a long time after that. I went to write greetings, but I didn't hear from them.
A few months later, we met again at an academic event. He still recognized me, but his expression when he saw me was only the first time he saw me. I looked for an opportunity to talk to him about the book, "Oh, it should be fine." He said lightly.
"I wrote to you once." I whispered. "Ah, where did you send it?" "I send you in the department". "Oh, I'm sorry, I don't read the emails in the department that I don't know."
- That's the way it is. Shi Jingqian obviously felt a hint of regret for this, "Well, next time I will pay attention to your letter." You know I'm too busy to write this kind of authorization letter. You write me a letter, writing out the reason for the matter, including which book you want to translate me, what the situation, and the specific content, and then leave a blank space for me to think about and approve. If I agree, we wouldn't have to write back and forth specifically. I'll sign your letter and authorize it, how about that? ”
"Okay!" I certainly agree. However, at that time, shortly after Joining the World Copyright Organization, the publishing department often asked the translator to ask about copyright and royalties when publishing translations. Some books do not have the royalties negotiated in advance, and the publisher does not accept them at all. Although it was difficult to say, I muttered about the embarrassment of the domestic publishing house and asked him how and how the royalties were paid. Unexpectedly, he smiled and said that he knew all the situations I knew. He didn't mind the royalties and knew that there wouldn't be much, but he warned me that his condition was that I find a better publisher in The country.
I can do that. The big topic is settled, and the following things are much smoother. I did not live up to Shi Jingqian's instructions, and later published a full translation of "Changing Europe" in the "Intercultural Dialogue" of the Shanghai Culture Publishing House. Because this book is slightly smaller and is published in conjunction with other content, I feel unsatisfied. Later, I published this book in its entirety again in the Shanghai Bookstore Publishing House's "Encounter with Shi Jingqian", which was a single book specially published for it, and finally returned my wish. Since Shi Jingqian authorized me to include traditional Chinese characters, I also published translations of historical works in the World Weekly magazine in the United States and Lianhe Bao in Taiwan, which had a relatively large response at home and abroad. Of course, I also sent books and newspapers to Mr. Shi Jingqian.
After years, I learned that shi jingqian in China was becoming more and more popular, and there were always people who wanted to translate his complete works. Seeing that all his works are vast, they are almost exclusive to this "Changing Europe" - Shi Jingqian is indeed a person who pays attention to faith! Since he promised me the right to translate this book, he did not give any favor to others, and this is a book that bears the burden of succession and transformation in his academic life, and shows his academic transformation and has important milestones! Words must be promised and deeds must be fruitful, and nothing is taken for the dissemination of scholarship and true knowledge, this is not the heart of the ancient ren people that the ancient Chinese people admired, and what is not righteousness?
The other side of wanton righteousness
After getting acquainted with Shi Jingqian, I found that the first time he agreed but did not hear back to me for a long time, it was not forgetfulness or arrogance, but a kind of test and cultivation for me; he was examining whether I was really interested in this subject, whether I could really withstand waiting, snubbing, shelving and expecting. If I just want to translate for a while, and retreat when I encounter a nail, I will not have enough consideration for him, and I will abandon it like a. If I really stand the test or really know the goods, I will not give up because of a momentary setback. Fortunately, I was able to stand up to his scrutiny, and again and again, he recognized my confidence and sincerity. Although translating this work is not my main business, I have contributed to the study of the history of Western sinology. Not only in the above special translation works, but also in the historical materials of Shi Jingqian that I published in "World Sinology", "Cultural China" and influential university journals, these contents have aroused a lot of attention and repercussions, and have become a bright spot and milestone in my research on the history of Western Sinology.
Of course, Shi Jingqian's lecture spirit is not only in this small matter with me, but is reflected in many aspects of his life and academic life, not only in his academic works, but also in his personality and daily life. As I said earlier, Shi Jingqian is a celebrity and a celebrity, and he also pays special attention to privacy, and he is even more reluctant to distract himself from dealing with secular society. Whenever he attends public places, he is often very alert and clean and avoids people. I often see him quitting at social events, avoiding photos with unrelated people, and refusing to sign autographs. However, in some social occasions, he never avoids or even specializes in worship, and almost does not fall.
What occasions? For some seniors, sushi and academically famous old friends, no matter how busy they are, as long as others are in the East Of the United States, they will always go to pay tribute on time. It is because I believe in his side that I can have a lot of contacts with him in New York. Among them, the more impressive ones are the academic activities that pay tribute to Fu Hansi, the predecessor of the sinology industry, and many lectures by Zhang Chonghe, who insisted on taking the time to come to attend the greeting. Some even Shi Jingqian himself did not speak or speak, but just acted as a general audience and audience. He adhered to the respect and humility of traditional scholars to his predecessors—some of which were not even academic activities, such as Zhang Chonghe's Kunqu lectures or even calligraphy displays and lectures, and Shi Jingqian came from hundreds of miles away to celebrate.
My understanding of his morality, general knowledge, and courtesy, and thoughtfulness, it is precisely in these inadvertent small activities that I continue to enrich. I remember that sometimes he was really busy and even had to leave early, but he was almost never late or absent.
In addition to being thoughtful to his predecessors, his righteousness is also expressed in his admiration and affection for his mentors. In his lectures and writings, he recalled many times his origins in learning and the strictness of his teachers' training for him. The cultivation of the two teachers Rui Marie and Rui Woshou is not only in books, he feels the suffering of Chinese from the experience of the two teachers in China during the War of Resistance, thus broadening his academic vision to modern and contemporary China, including May Fourth, salvation and even Xu Zhimo. He was particularly grateful to his mentor Mary Rui for introducing him to his mentor Fang Zhaoyao.
Fang Zhaoyao was the most important Yanshi he had met in his life. Shi Jingqian told us that it was from Mr. Fang that he deeply tasted the deep meaning of the title "Old Mr." Chinese. When studying with Mr. Fang, Fang Zhaoyao almost never easily praised students. Shi Jingqianzhi studied hard, was very good in Yale, went to Australia to invest in Zhaoyaomen, and worked hard to write his doctoral dissertation. Although Professor Fang cared for him and helped him as much as he could, he was very strict with Shi Jingqian and never showed his appreciation. Shi Jingqian remembers that once Professor Fang was deeply satisfied after reading his article, and when he returned, he used a typewriter to criticize: "It seems that there has been a lot of progress." However, after the approval, Fang Zhaoyao deliberated again and again, and felt that this time the approval was too generous, so he carefully crossed out the words "very large" with an ink pen and replaced them with the words "not small". This incident made Shi Jingqian feel deeply, and made him deeply aware of the difficulty of doing learning. Looking back on his studies, Shi Jingqian deeply felt that this Chinese teacher, who was easily disapproving, benefited him the most. Therefore, after his graduation thesis on Cao Yin was written, it was immediately published by Yale University Press, and was rated as an excellent academic work, laying the foundation of his academic path. This time, the blockbuster made him deeply appreciate the truth that after ten years of Chinese learning, he could be invincible and cut through thorns.
After becoming famous, Shi Jingqian used his own unique way to commemorate his Chinese mentor - in the domestic literary and historical circles, almost no one knows Fang Zhaoyao and his wife after this, but Shi Jingqian used this humorous and grateful way to pass on the name for his own teacher. We remember Mr. and Mrs. Fang Zhaoyao, mostly not their academic works, but these past events that make people feel like they are swaying...
Western memorial services do not like solemnity and sadness, but mostly climax with nostalgia and can amuse the audience with the past and troubles of the deceased. I believe that humor such as Shi Jingqian, we must be able to understand everyone's remembrance and sorrow for him. I think that at this moment he is either continuing to discuss Chinese history next to a group of his former teachers and friends, or snickering at those who do not understand his intentions and explain his scholars; or listen to what others have to say about him and his scholarship.
The ancients knew that the coffin was conclusive, but this statement was not appropriate for Shi Jingqian. I believe that although the coffin is covered, it is difficult to determine the discussion of him in the foreseeable future, and there will be a considerable period of controversy in the academic circles about him and his historiography. However, Shi Jingqian is no longer interested in these topics, and he has transcended into another world, squeezing your eyes humorously. Whether you like him or not, as long as you do this kind of knowledge, I believe that you can't get around him.
(Photo courtesy of Guangxi Normal University Publishing House, Photo: Muto)
Source Beijing Evening News
Author Sea Dragon
Process Editor Wu Yue