文明小史   By: Boyuan Li (1867-1906)

"文明小史" by Boyuan Li is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the history of civilization. Li presents a comprehensive and engaging account of the development of human societies, from ancient times to the present day. Through a combination of historical analysis and philosophical reflection, the author sheds light on the complex and often contradictory forces that have shaped our world.

One of the standout features of the book is its nuanced approach to the notion of progress. Rather than presenting civilization as a linear march towards improvement, Li emphasizes the cyclical nature of history, highlighting the ways in which societies rise and fall, evolve and regress. This perspective invites readers to reconsider their assumptions about the trajectory of human development and to think more critically about the direction in which our own civilization is headed.

In addition to its philosophical depth, "文明小史" is also a pleasure to read. Li's prose is elegant and accessible, making even complex ideas easily digestible. The book is filled with fascinating anecdotes and examples that bring historical events to life, allowing readers to connect with the material on a personal level.

Overall, "文明小史" is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of civilization and the forces that have shaped our world. Li's thoughtful analysis and engaging writing style make this book a valuable addition to the library of anyone seeking to better understand the complexities of human society.

First Page:

做書的人記得：「有一年坐了火輪船在大海裡行走，那時候天甫黎明，偶至船頂，四下 觀望，但見水連天，天連水，白茫茫一望無邊，正不知我走到那裡去了。停了一會子， 忽然東方海面上出現一片紅光，隨潮上下，雖是波濤洶湧，卻照耀得遠近通明。大眾齊 說：「要出太陽了！」一船的人，都哄到船頂上等著看，不消一刻，潮水一分，太陽果 然出來了。記得又一年，正是夏天午飯才罷，隨手拿過一張新聞紙，開了北窗，躺在一 張竹椅上看那新聞紙消遣。雖然赤日當空，流金鑠石，全不覺半點藃熱，也忘記是什麼 時候了。停了一會子，忽然西北角上起了一片烏雲，隱隱有雷聲響動，霎時電光閃爍， 狂風怒號，再看時，天上烏雲已經佈滿。大眾齊說：「要下大雨了！」 　　 一家的人，關窗的關窗，掇椅的掇椅，都忙個不了。不消一刻，風聲一定，大雨果然下 來了。諸公試想：太陽未出，何以曉得他就要出？大雨未下，何以曉得他就要下？其中 卻有一個緣故。這個緣故，就在眼前。只索看那潮水，聽那風聲，便知太陽一定要出， 大雨一定要下，這有什麼難猜的？做書的人，... Continue reading book >>