TANG XUANLIN
“Collective” and “Private Wealth” in Classical Chinese Families
Xuanlin is currently a sophomore at Tsinghua University, studying Bachelor of Philosophy. She’s interested in the field of Comparative Ethics, and has also attended the Initiating Mutual Understanding through Student Exchange(IMUSE) as a delegate.
What inspired the creation of your essay? What motivated your choice of topic?
My inspiration stemmed from encountering a compelling sentence in the Books of Rites: "A filial son has no personal wealth." This prompted me to delve into the intriguing relationship between "filial piety" and wealth within the traditional Chinese context. I aimed to explore how the concept of "filial piety" intertwines with wealth in traditional Chinese culture, particularly focusing on the statement found in the Books of Rites. I wanted to understand the nuances and implications associated with this relationship.
Within the course "Study on the Books of Rites," is there a specific aspect that captured your interest?
The content pertaining to father-son relations in the "Study on the Books of Rites" course intrigued me. I found the exploration of these relationships, as presented in ancient texts, to be particularly captivating.
Reflecting on the writing and margin process, what was your favorite aspect?
My favorite part of the writing process was unraveling the interpretations provided by ancient scholars on the given topic. Although it seemed challenging at times, I managed to grasp the scholarly essence, which added depth to my understanding.
What challenges did you encounter while perfecting your essay, and how did you feel about the final product?
I faced challenges when certain materials contradicted my initial thoughts, leading to an abrupt conclusion. Despite this, the essay was overall well-organized. Further refinement became necessary after conducting additional research to ensure a comprehensive and coherent final product. Writing this essay deepened my understanding of investigating ancient Chinese script, providing insights into the intricacies of language and cultural contexts prevalent in the historical texts.
How did you become acquainted with IUCJ, and what led you to choose them for publishing?
I learned about IUCJ through its promotion at Tsinghua. The platform's commitment to cultural exchange resonated with me, leading me to choose it for the publication of my work.