Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 6
A Modern Interpretation of Ancient Chinese
Geographical Literature
6.1
A Commentary on the Book of Rivers
China is now facing a great historical transformation. In order to get rid of the
backwardness of her science and technology and to speed up the effort of the
realization of her socialist modernization, it is necessary for us, on the one hand, to
learn the advanced knowledge and experience of others countries. And, on the other
hand, we must also re-estimate the real value of all the things we have inherited
from our forefathers: Chinese culture, old traditions and history. We must absorb
and utilize all the things that are benefi cial to us. It is through such endeavours that
we hope to produce a new culture which is typically Chinese and modern. In other
words, we need a new culture for the age of socialism. This great historical trans-
formation is in reality a new Renaissance of China.
Since liberation, this Chinese Renaissance has developed rapidly in the different
fi elds of human knowledge. Indeed, there were serious interruptions and damages
during the 10 years of political turmoil. Nevertheless, all the things that obey the
law of historical development will prosper in spite of the will of the reactionary
gangs. And this is true to the Chinese Renaissance.
To give a full account of the Renaissance in this short talk is impossible. It is also
out of my personal ability to do so. However, it is possible for me to try to use my
personal judgment to re-estimate the real value of ancient Chinese culture and
traditions from the fi eld of studies with which I am familiar. Let me illustrate my view
point by showing two concrete examples. I sincerely wish that by so doing I may
offer some help to my friends who want to know something about New China.
