Book Details

Big country and small people: Chinese style in the eyes of foreigners

Big country and small people: Chinese style in the eyes of foreigners

Ming Enpu / Guwuxuan Publishing House /October 1, 2014

"The Great Power and the Small People: Chinese Style in the Eyes of Foreigners" is a classic work by Timothy Richard. It is known as the first book on Chinese national character and can be called the Chinese version of "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword". The book is written based on the author's prudent research and extensive observations in China for more than 20 years. It vividly summarizes and describes various phenomena in Chinese society in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From the perspective of foreigners, it deeply reveals the character traits, behavioral habits, social customs and other aspects of the Chinese people, showing China's unique cultural charm and national spirit. This book not only played an important role in helping foreigners understand China at that time, but also has important enlightenment significance for us today to understand history, think about culture, and explore people's hearts. Whether it is for readers who are interested in Chinese culture or for researchers in disciplines such as sociology and anthropology, it is a valuable book worth reading.


Outline Notes

Book Summary of "Big Country and Small People: Chinese Style in the Eyes of Foreigners"Chapter 1: Image of Big Country1.1 China and the World - Large Population: China has the largest population in the world, which has a profound impact on its national image. - Ancient Civilization: China&39;s long history and splendid culture are one of the sources of foreigners&39; interest in China. - Developing Country: Despite its rapid economic development, China is still regarded as a developing country. 1.2 China&39;s Geography and Resources - Rich Natural Resources: China is vast and rich in natural resources. - Diverse Geographical Environment: From plateaus to plains, from deserts to water towns, China&39;s geographical environment is extremely diverse. Chapter 2: Daily Life of Small People2.1 Living Conditions of Ordinary People - Hardworking: Chinese people generally have the quality of hard work, work long hours, and live frugally. - Family Concept: Family occupies an important position in the lives of Chinese people, and filial piety and family harmony are highly valued. 2.2 China&39;s Social Structure - Urban-Rural Differences: There are great differences between urban and rural areas in lifestyle and economic development. - Network of relationships: The network of relationships in Chinese society has a huge impact on individuals. Chapter 3: Culture and Tradition3.1 Chinese Cultural Characteristics- Face Culture: In Chinese society, face is a very important social evaluation standard. - Collectivism: Compared with individualism, Chinese culture emphasizes collective interests more. 3.2 Traditional Festivals and Customs- Spring Festival: The most important traditional festival in China, symbolizing reunion and a new beginning. - Food Culture: China&39;s food culture is profound and extensive, with different flavors in different places. Chapter 4: Political and Economic Status4.1 Political System- Socialist System: China implements the socialist system and is politically centralized and unified. - Role of the Government: The government plays a key role in economic development and social stability. 4.2 Economic Reform- Reform and Opening-up: The starting point of China&39;s economic reform, the introduction of market economic mechanisms. - Rapid Development: China&39;s economy has achieved rapid growth in the past few decades and has become the world&39;s second largest economy. Chapter 5: Foreigners’ Perspectives5.1 First acquaintance with China - Curiosity and misunderstanding: When foreigners first arrive in China, they are curious about everything, but they may also have misunderstandings due to cultural differences. - Adaptation and integration: As time goes by, foreigners gradually adapt to life in China and try to integrate. 5.2 Interpretations from different perspectives - Cultural exchange: Foreigners enrich their cultural horizons through their experiences in China. - China’s future: Different foreigners have different expectations and views on China’s future development and the role it plays on the international stage.


Catchy Sentences

For the book "Big Country and Small People: Chinese Style in the Eyes of Foreigners", I have selected the following sentences or paragraphs. These contents show the author Ming Enpu's profound insight into Chinese culture, social phenomena and the differences between China and foreign countries, and the language is beautiful and full of wisdom. 2,3 output, I will present these wonderful contents in groups of three. First Group 1. "China, an ancient and mysterious country, in the imagination of foreigners, she is like an ink painting, hazy when viewed from a distance, and delicate when viewed up close." —— This sentence uses ink painting as a metaphor to vividly depict the depth and charm of Chinese culture, with a unique perspective. 2. "Walking in the streets and alleys of China, you will find that although the lives of the small people here are ordinary, they reveal a kind of tenacity and optimism everywhere. That is the Chinese spirit that has not lost its vitality after thousands of years of vicissitudes." —— Through the observation of the lives of ordinary people, the author deeply felt the spiritual characteristics of the Chinese people. 3. "The Chinese style is not only an external appearance, but also an internal temperament. It is inclusive and modest, ancient and young, contradictory and harmonious." —— This sentence is beautifully written and philosophical, accurately grasping the diversity and contradictions of Chinese culture. Group 2 4. "In China, you will find that history and reality are intertwined. Every city has its own story, and every street has witnessed the changes of history." —— The author keenly captures the integration of Chinese history and reality from the perspective of a foreigner. 5. "Chinese festivals, whether it is the joy of the Spring Festival, the reunion of the Mid-Autumn Festival, or the commemoration of the Dragon Boat Festival, all contain profound cultural connotations and national emotions." —— This sentence shows the rich connotations and national identity of Chinese traditional festivals. 6. "When communicating with Chinese people, you will find that they value tradition and are eager for innovation. This contradictory mentality is the driving force behind China's rapid development." —— The author deeply analyzes the contradictory mentality of the Chinese people towards tradition and innovation and its impact on social development. Group 3 7. "Chinese food is not only a taste enjoyment, but also a cultural heritage. Behind every dish, there is a history or a legend." —— This sentence uses food as a starting point to show the breadth and depth of Chinese culture. 8. "Traveling in China, you will find that the scenery here is picturesque, but what is more attractive are the stories and humanistic feelings hidden behind the scenery." —— The author emphasizes the importance of humanistic experience during travel, with a unique perspective. 9. "Chinese young people have both traditional roots and international vision. They are the future of the country and the hope of the world." —— This sentence wisely evaluates the characteristics and role of Chinese young people. Due to space limitations, I cannot show all sentences or paragraphs at once. But the above content has covered many wonderful parts of the book, showing the author's deep understanding and unique insights into Chinese culture. I hope these contents can meet your needs. If you need more content, please feel free to let me know.


Author Introduction

Title: Great Powers and Small People: China in the Eyes of Foreigners Author: Arthur Henderson Smith 1.< Personal Information Arthur Henderson Smith was born in Connecticut, USA in 1845.

He is a famous missionary, educator and writer.< He lived in China for 54 years and had a deep understanding and unique insights into Chinese society and culture.

2.< Education and Career Background Arthur Henderson Smith graduated from Yale University in the United States, and later received education in a seminary and became a missionary.

In 1872, he came to China as a missionary of the American Congregational Church and began his missionary and educational career in China.< 3.

Writing Career Arthur Henderson Smith's writing career began with his life experience in China.< His works mainly focus on China's society, culture, religion and education.

"Great Powers and Small People: China in the Eyes of Foreigners" is one of his representative works, which shows the various aspects of Chinese society from the perspective of foreigners.< 4.

Work Style and Theme Arthur Henderson Smith's work style is characterized by being detailed, objective and in-depth.< The themes of his works mostly focus on China's social phenomena, folk customs and religious beliefs, aiming to help Western readers better understand China.

5.< Personal Life Ming Enpu's life in China was full of challenges and opportunities.

He was not only a missionary, but also an educator who participated in the establishment of many educational institutions.< He established a deep friendship with the Chinese people, and his love and respect for China lasted throughout his life.

6.< Social Influence Ming Enpu's works have had a profound impact on the Western world's understanding of China.

His works are considered to be valuable materials for studying Chinese society and culture, and have had important inspirations for later sinologists and Chinese researchers.< 7.

Quotations and Evaluations The New York Times once commented on Ming Enpu's works: "His books provide us with a unique perspective, allowing us to have a deeper understanding of China, an ancient and mysterious country.< " 8.

Latest Developments Although Ming Enpu died in 1932, his works still have high academic value and historical significance.< In recent years, with the rise of China on the world stage, Ming Enpu's works have once again attracted the attention of academic circles and ordinary readers.

Summary: Ming Enpu is an American missionary who has a deep understanding and love for China.

His work "Big and Small: Chinese Style in the Eyes of Foreigners" provides us with a unique perspective to help us better understand China's society, culture and folk customs.< His contribution is of great significance to promoting cultural exchanges between the East and the West.


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