Archives of Peking University News - PKU English - 北京大学

北京大学英语新闻网/Peking University News
Jin Yong Made a Speech on Chinese
History & Swordsman Spirit at PKU
PKU NEWS 2007--06—22
http://ennews.pku.edu.cn/news.php?s=182523028
Peking University, Beijing, June 22, 2007: On the afternoon of June 18th, several
hundred audience enjoyed Jin Yong‘ speech on ―major events in Chinese history‖.
As a novelist notable for his swordsman fictions, Mr. Jin focused on the confrontation
between ancient agricultural peoples and nomadic peoples and their merger, as well
as how these influenced the civilization of China.
Jin introduced the hybrid from agricultural and nomadic peoples since Xia Dynasties,
the earliest dynasty in Chinese history. He believed one of the reasons the Han &
Tang Empire were so strong is that the two dynasties could absorb beneficial
elements from surrounding peoples. ―The principle driving force of human civilization
is the merger of peoples, so the history provides beneficial and impressive lessons
for China‘s reform and opening up. ‖
The speech reached its climax when Mr. Jin answered audience‘s questions. When
asked about the practical significance of the ―Swordsman Spirit‖ in his fiction, Mr. Jin
said, ―When our country and nation were invaded and oppressed, everyone with
‗Swordsman Spirit‘ will step forward boldly and fight bravely at the expense of their
personal status.‖ When asked whether Wei Xiaobao reflected his own understanding
of modern human nature, Mr. Jin said he was inspired by A-Q, a famous literary
figure created by Lu Xun, and that he wanted to unveil the dark side of Chinese ethos
and teach people how to avoid it.
Mr. Jin said he wanted to do research on the relationship between Huns and
Hungary in the Institute of Chinese National Culture, PKU, where he could make use
of plenty of historical materials and exchange ideas with outstanding talents. Yuan
Xingpei, President of the Institute of Chinese National Culture, PKU, who chaired the
speech forum, impressed his welcome to Mr. Jin. Jin said the merger of the history of
PKU and the high-tech would bring a bright future for the Institute of Chinese
National Culture, PKU.
Jin Yong was famous for his swordsman fictions in Chinese cultural circle. Getting
his doctor‘s degree in Cambridge University, Jin‘s research focus in recent years has
523