Strategies of the Warring States
戰國策 | Season 1
Meet the Author · 劉向
Liu Xiang (刘向, 77–6 BCE) was a pivotal figure in ancient Chinese history during the Western Han dynasty, renowned as a scholar, poet, and librarian. Serving in the imperial court, he led a team to organize and preserve a vast collection of ancient texts, ensuring the survival of many foundational works of Chinese literature and philosophy. Liu Xiang also pioneered the genre of biography in China, compiling influential collections like the Biographies of Exemplary Women (列女传), which shaped cultural ideals about morality and gender. His efforts in editing and categorizing texts helped standardize knowledge, leaving a lasting legacy on Chinese intellectual tradition. For novices, think of Liu Xiang as a guardian of ancient wisdom, whose work connects us to the roots of Chinese culture.
Margo’s Note
The "Strategies of the Warring States" is like a treasure chest filled with wisdom from ancient China, but let’s be honest – diving into these old texts can feel a bit like unearthing a fossil in the dark! Unless you’re a seasoned scholar or have a PhD in Chinese history, it can be tough to have a chuckle at these ancient tales.
That’s where this blog and podcast series comes to spice things up! We’re on a mission to crack open that treasure chest and share the goodies with everyone. Our goals are twofold: we want to preserve the essence of the original texts while enhancing accessibility.
Think of me as your playful guide, leading you through captivating stories in a way that’s easy to digest – no history buff badge required! With clear, friendly English and just the right sprinkle of context, we're tossing aside jargon and overly academic fluff. We believe every curious soul should have the chance to enjoy the gripping strategies, tricky politics, and compelling human dramas of the Warring States period.
So grab a comfy seat, and let’s embark on this exciting journey together! These are not just dusty old texts; they’re vibrant tales of power, ethics, and strategy just waiting to be rediscovered.