Reviewing Chinese history with systems analysis
by Vincent Yuanyi Chang
Understand the big picture for the sake of ourselves email：[email protected] B.A. in History and Political Science, University of Claifornia, Davis, 2003 PMP, Project Management I institute， since2007 MBA， Fu-Jen Catholic University， 2008 Powered by Firstory Hosting
Episodes
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Most beautiful idiotic woman
Overview The early 6th century (515–528 AD) in China was a volatile era where the Northern Wei Dynasty—a nomadic Xianbei empire undergoing rapid Sinicization—began to tear itself apart. In his work Zizhi Tongjian Jishi Benmo, the historian Bo Yang offers a controversial yet profound critique of...
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The Crown of Corpse: Why Ancient China’s Bloodiest Era is a Warning for Today
Blood, Crowns, and the Cycle of Madness The history of the Northern and Southern Dynasties is not a story of progress; it is a ledger written in blood. In his Notebooks on the Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance, Bo Yang captures this era with a chilling subtitle: "The Xiao and Yuan…
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The "Soy Paste Vat" Trap: Why One of History’s Greatest Empires Traded Freedom for Corruption
The Bo Yang Critique: Volume 17 of Zizhi Tongjian Jishi Benmo In his biting historical commentary, Bo Yang explores the downfall of the Xianbei people. Originally, they were a powerful, nomadic force defined by an egalitarian "Meritocracy." In their early days, your ability spoke for you. There...
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Blood, Silk, and the "Great Emptiness": The Brutal Realism of China’s Middle Ages
What happens when a civilization's moral compass (Confucianism) snaps, and the only thing left standing is the sharp edge of a general’s sword? In Volume 16 of the Bo Yang Edition of Zizhi Tongjian, titled sarcastically "The Day the Imperial Army Recaptured the North," we uncover a 400-year cycle...
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The Legend of Murong Chao: A Rise and Fall for the Ages
The Historical Backdrop The story of Murong Chao is one of extreme contrasts: a legendary rise followed by a catastrophic fall. Set during the chaotic Sixteen Kingdoms period (specifically the 4th and 5th centuries), Murong Chao was a member of the Xianbei ethnic group. After the decline of the...
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The "Playhouse" Emperor: Why Huan Xuan’s Usurpation Was a Deadly Farce
History often repeats itself, but in 4th and 5th-century China, it repeated itself as a dark comedy. The historian Bo Yang famously labeled Huan Xuan’s brief reign a "farce" (Chuànwèi Nàojù). It wasn't just a failed coup; it was the definitive turning point that plunged China into nearly two...
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The Tragedy of Emperor Fu Jian: A Visionary’s Fall
The Visionary’s Curse: 1,600 Years Ahead of Schedule The story of Fu Jian (苻堅) is not a simple tale of military defeat; it is the tragedy of Radical Idealism. Ruling in the 4th century, Fu Jian was the closest any leader came to reunifying China during the chaotic Six Kingdoms period. However, he...
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The Glass Ceiling of Heroism: Why Zu Ti’s Patriotic Dream Was a "Mission Impossible"
In the annals of Chinese history, General Zu Ti (祖逖) is the ultimate symbol of determination. We’ve all heard the legend: crossing the Yangtze, beating his oar against the water, and vowing to never return until the North was reclaimed. But if you look past the propaganda, you find a story of...
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China messy and five ethnic groups: Reflections on Mr. Bo Yang's Reinterpretation of Chinese History
This reflection examines historian Bo Yang's revisionist work on the "Five Barbarians" period (五胡乱华), which he deliberately retitled as 华乱五胡 ("China in Chaos, Five Ethnic Groups") to challenge traditional Chinese historical narratives. Bo Yang's Two Main Arguments: Chinese ethnocentrism:...
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The War of the Thirteen Princes: How Royal Infighting Destroyed the Western Jin Dynasty
The War of the Thirteen Princes during the early Jin Dynasty illustrates the dangers of concentrated power without proper checks and balances. Among the thirty royal princes granted territories, Thirteen became especially powerful. However, they were not properly appointed officials but rather...
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Reflections on Mr. Bo Yang's Account of the Rebellion of the Thirteen Kings
This essay explores Mr. Bo Yang's unique approach to the "Rebellion of the Eight Kings" in his work Tongjian Jishi Benmo (通鑒紀事本末). Unlike most historians who write from imperial perspectives, Bo Yang reveals deeper truths about why the Western Jin Dynasty collapsed so quickly after its...
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The Tragic Destiny of the Cao Family: Sentimentality and the Inevitable Fall of the Wei Dynasty
My reflection on reading the Zizhi Tongjian (資治通鉴), which chronicles the Three Kingdoms era of ancient China, leads me to appreciate how fortunate we are today. We live in a republic with a democratic system, division of labor, and balance of power—things that simply didn't exist in ancient…
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Zhuge Liang and Liu Shan: Idealism Versus Pragmatism in the Shu Han Kingdom
This analysis examines two pivotal figures of the Shu Han kingdom: Zhuge Liang and Emperor Liu Shan (劉禪). Popular understanding of these figures has been heavily influenced by the novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which often distorts their true historical characters. Zhuge Liang: The...
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The Fall of Guan Yu and the Breakdown of the Sun-Liu Alliance
Summary This reflection examines a critical period in Three Kingdoms history following the Battle of Red Cliffs (208 CE). The analysis focuses on how Cao Pi's ascension to power in 220 CE—after forcing Emperor Xian to abdicate—destabilized the regional balance of power and ultimately led to the...
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The Transformation of Chinese Society During the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280 CE)
This reflection examines the Three Kingdoms era as a pivotal transitional period in Chinese history, marking approximately 400 years of profound change from the late Han Dynasty through the early Jin Dynasty. Three Major Shifts: First, the decline of Confucianism's monopoly on governance and...
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Why the North Always Wins: Climate, Psychology, and the Pattern of Power
This reflection, inspired by reading Mr. Baoyan's "Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government," explores a striking historical pattern: northern states consistently defeat southern states in territorial conflicts, driven by geographical and psychological factors. The Chinese Historical Pattern…
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Three Political Systems, One Era: Power Structures in the Three Kingdoms Period
This discussion focuses on the eighth book of Mr. Bo Yang's Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Government (通鑒記事本末), specifically covering the Battle of Red Cliffs during the Three Kingdoms era (late 2nd to late 3rd century CE). The analysis examines three key aspects: political systems, north-south...
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The Chaotic Warfare of 2nd & 3rd Century China
Today, I’d like to talk about the second major event described in the 7th book of Mr. Bo Yang’s Tongjian Jishi Benmo—the turbulent struggle for power in the late Eastern Han dynasty. Many of you may already be familiar with the wars, the rivalries, and the rise of various warlords during that...
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When Trust Collapsed: The Psychology of Loyalty and Power in Late Han China's Gradual Fall
Hello, friends. Today I want to discuss the Seven Masters of Jian'an period and make comparisons between the past and contemporary times—or rather, the modern age. Historical Context: The Late Eastern Han Empire The background is the late Eastern Han Dynasty, from roughly the 170s CE until just...
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Who Won the Combat?
Historical Lesson: The Fall of the Eastern Han Dynasty Two weeks ago, I discussed whether people learn from history, using the Eastern Han Empire (second half of the first century) as an example. I explored how members of the extended imperial family competed with emperors for power. Today, I'm...
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Buddhism in Ancient China: Causes, Effects, and Lessons
Buddhism first appeared in China during the first century CE. Rather than discussing it as a religion, I'll examine it as a system of thought, exploring its causes, effects, and the lessons we can learn from it. Why Emperor Ming Embraced Buddhism Emperor Ming of Han had an extremely troubled…
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Do People Learn from History?
I want to discuss the old saying "history repeats itself." There are two interpretations: first, that people never learn from their mistakes, and second, that history's patterns naturally recur. I'll use examples from China's Eastern Han Dynasty (first-second century CE) to explore this from...
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The Horrible Internal rivalry of the Huns in 1st & 2nd Centuries
Hi friends! Today I'm going to talk about the sixth book of Bo Yang's version of Tongjian Jishi Benmo (通鑒纪事本末), specifically about horrible internal rivalries. The incident I'll discuss concerns the Eastern Han Dynasty's relationship with nomadic tribes. These weren't a single ethnic group but…
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The Dangers of Royal Life in Early Eastern Han Dynasty China
Today I'll discuss the Eastern Han Dynasty in first-century China, using three examples to illustrate the tragic circumstances of extended royal family members and why we should appreciate living in a republic with democracy. Example 1: Liu Ying, Brother of Emperor Ming Liu Ying was accused of...
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Ban Chao's Diplomatic Mission in the Western Regions (Late 1st - Early 2nd Century CE)
Summary Today I’m going to discuss major events in the Western Regions (西域) during the late first and early second centuries CE, focusing on General Ban Chao (班超), who successfully regained Han Empire control over this territory. The Saying: "Clear Water Has No Fish" Ban Chao famously said: "If…
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From Emperor Liu Xiu reminding the Good Old Days: A Taiwan Case on Social-Political Changes
Summary This analysis explores the complex relationship between political leadership, media freedom, and educational systems in Taiwan, examining how people's perceptions of "the good old days" influence contemporary political discourse. Key Arguments Political Leadership Qualities Effective...
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The Rise and Fall of Wang Mang: A Lesson in Leadership
Today I want to share the story of Wang Mang (王莽), a man who saved China but later nearly destroyed it. This historical figure from ancient China provides a fascinating case study in leadership and power. Historical Context Wang Mang lived during the transition between the Western Han Dynasty and...
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The Imperial Palace System and Its Impact on Chinese Character
Many people believe that China's Cultural Revolution in the 1960s-70s destroyed Chinese morality and ethics. However, I argue that the Cultural Revolution merely exposed character traits that had already existed for over two thousand years. These characteristics were deeply embedded in Chinese...
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從美國校園食安改革反思台灣
FDA局長專訪摘要與校園食品安全反思 專訪概況 現任FDA局長馬蒂·馬卡里醫生（Dr. Marty Makary）於7月18日接受《美國思想領袖》專訪，討論他自4月1日上任以來首100天的工作成果。身為醫生兼教授的馬卡里醫生概述了FDA的改革議程，重點在於恢復該機構的自主性並改善食品安全標準。 主要改革領域討論 1. 藥品審查制度改革 恢復FDA在新藥審批程序中的自主性 解決動物試驗程序的相關疑慮 2. 食品安全與營養指導方針 馬卡里醫生強調了幾個關鍵要點： 校園飲料禁令：支持最近美國衛生部的行政命令，將含糖飲料從K-12學校餐點品項中移除...
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Sweat-blood horse wars and its implications
The Sweating Blood Horses: Historical Lessons for Modern Times Introduction Today I'm going to discuss the "sweating blood horses" from ancient times, exploring the stories from that period and their implications. In the latter part of my talk, I'll examine similar incidents in the 19th, 20th…
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The Impacts of the legacy of emperor Liu Bang
Liu Bang's Three Greatest Impacts on Chinese History Today I want to discuss three of the most significant ways Liu Bang (劉邦), the founder of the Han Dynasty, influenced Chinese civilization after his victory over Xiang Yu (項羽) in establishing the empire. 1. Breaking the Aristocratic Monopoly on...
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Why there is no such the East rises and the West declines as the CCP claims
East vs. West: An Analysis of the unlikelihood of China's Rise and Historical Foundations Introduction Today I want to discuss why there's no such thing as "the East rises and the West declines" as the Chinese Communist Party claims. I'll examine current events first, then explore the historical...
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The Art of War and The Art of the Deal
Military Strategies: Warring States Era and Modern Applications Introduction This analysis examines strategic warfare principles from China's Warring States period (5th-3rd centuries BCE) and their relevance to contemporary geopolitical situations. Using two historical battles as case studies, we...
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The multidimensional reform of Qin in 350s B.C.E.
Summary: Ancient Chinese Reforms and the Rise of Qin State Introduction This episode focuses on the background story of ancient Chinese strategic reforms, specifically examining events around 356 BCE. Rather than diving directly into complex political strategies, this provides essential…
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Vertical vs Horizontal Alliances
Ancient Chinese Alliance Strategies and Modern Applications Historical Context: The Warring States Period Part of China's Warring States period (around 334-234 BCE), two major diplomatic strategies emerged that would shape military and political thinking for thousand of years: Vertical Alliance...
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Vertical and Horizontal Alliances
Did you know that horizontal and vertical alliance strategies are actually developed and taught by the same master strategistGui Gu Zi? Generally speaking, vertical alignment and horizontal connections are often presented as contradictory approaches. Please follow my podcast to see more about the...
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A Strategic perspective on the Three Families Dividing Jin
Chinese Historical Strategy: Three Families Dividing Jin (三家分晉) Introduction Hello friends! I'm starting a new series analyzing "Tongjian Jishi Benmo" (通鑒記事本末) - a detailed account of Chinese historical events. These ancient strategies remain relevant today for understanding power dynamics and...
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Three Families Dividing Jin
Hi friends! Did you know that in ancient Chinese history, the "Three Families Dividing Jin" (三家分晉) - where three families split the feudal state of Jin - was originally initiated by four families? Please follow my podcast to learn more about this historical incident that marked the beginning of…
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The Chronicle of Events in Detail
Hi friends! For those who follow contemporary Chinese politics, you probably know that Chinese President Xi Jinping identifies himself with the ultimate and eternal Chairman Mao Zedong. In fact, Mao thoroughly studied the work "Tongjian Jishi Benmo" (通鑒記事本末) and had applied numerous strategies…
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西方歷史學者最推崇中國歷史上的宋帝國
西方史學家推崇宋朝勝過唐朝之原因 雖然華人皆稱頌「大唐盛世」，但西方史學家實際上認為宋朝才是中國歷史巔峰。 國祚更長：宋朝三百一十九年，超越唐朝二百九十六年。 經濟繁榮：唐都長安終其一朝皆有糧食問題，反觀宋都汴京、臨安不僅自給自足，更能輸出糧食供養周邊數個府縣人民。 文化成就：張擇端《清明上河圖》展現前所未有的都市繁榮與文化精緻。 外交智慧：宋朝偏好外交解決而非暴力。唐朝軍事征伐雖擴張疆域，卻常涉及屠城、和親等殘酷手段。 領導遠見：宋太祖趙匡胤親歷戰爭慘烈，刻意限制武將權力以防衝突，與唐朝暴力權鬥形成對比。...
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關於兔死狐悲和兔死狗烹
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關於瓜田李下和此地無銀三百兩相關的言行藝術
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CP值到底是什麼？以及關於溫水煮青蛙效應和驚恐效應的一些事情
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用時間計算中國歷史上到底有多少年算是大一統
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更多關於大一統是個騙局的例子
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從美國電視影集看台灣電視圈的處境
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從歷史看大一統其實是一種幻想
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從歷史看經濟和軍事的關係
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在群體中聽話與說話的藝術
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關於溝通的藝術
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About this show
Understand the big picture for the sake of ourselves
email：[email protected]
B.A. in History and Political Science, University of Claifornia, Davis, 2003 PMP, Project Management I institute， since2007 MBA， Fu-Jen Catholic University， 2008
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