First Observation | The General Secretary Emphasizes the Importance of Starting Education from Early Childhood
In June, everything is lush and vibrant as children welcome their own special day.
A few days ago, just before International Children’s Day, a message was sent to celebrate a significant event for young pioneers, extending holiday greetings to children nationwide.
Childhood has been referred to as “the most precious period in a person’s life,” and various childhood experiences were recalled.
From an early age, there was a love for visiting museums; a fondness for reading traditional cultural works such as “Romance of the Three Kingdoms,” “Journey to the West,” and “Water Margin”; daily reading reflections were written and reviewed by the father; and the immortal lines of Mr. Lu Xun were memorized from a young age… It was once said with feeling: “The things we blurt out now are all things noted down in childhood.”
About: Romance of the Three Kingdoms
“Romance of the Three Kingdoms” is a historical novel written by Luo Guanzhong in the 14th century, during the Ming dynasty. It is set during the turbulent years towards the end of the Han Dynasty and the early period of the Three Kingdoms era in Chinese history (approximately 169-280 AD). The novel dramatizes and romanticizes the lives of feudal lords and their retainers, who vied for power in a multi-faceted struggle that eventually led to the unification of China under the Jin dynasty. It is acclaimed for its complex plot and vivid portrayal of the characters, making it a cornerstone of Chinese literature and a profound influence on Chinese culture and society.
About: Journey to the West
“Journey to the West” is a classic Chinese novel written by Wu Cheng’en during the Ming dynasty, often considered one of the four great classical novels of Chinese literature. The story is a mythical adventure of a Buddhist monk, Xuanzang, who travels to the Western Regions (Central Asia and India) to obtain sacred texts and is assisted by his disciples Sun Wukong (the Monkey King), Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing. The narrative, rich in both adventure and allegory, explores themes of loyalty, perseverance, and spiritual enlightenment, underscoring the blend of Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucianist ideas.
About: Water Margin
The “Water Margin,” also known as “Outlaws of the Marsh,” is one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature, attributed to Shi Nai’an with Luo Guanzhong contributing to its later stages. This epic novel, set in the Song dynasty, tells the story of a group of 108 outlaws who gather at Mount Liang (or Liangshan Marsh) to form a sizable army. The characters, drawn from a range of social classes, band together to fight against corrupt government officials and injustices in society, reflecting themes of loyalty, justice, and resistance against oppression.
