Book Details
The journey of beauty
Li Zehou / People's Literature Publishing House /January 1, 2021
The History of Beauty is Li Zehou's representative work, and is known as an aesthetic tour that Chinese people must go through. This book takes a bird's eye view of the cultural and artistic changes of China over the past five thousand years from a macro perspective, and shows the magnificence and profoundness of ancient Chinese aesthetics. The author outlines the historical context of Chinese aesthetics with a broad brushstroke, and expounds on the aesthetic thoughts and artistic characteristics of each period. At the same time, he also deeply excavates the connotation and value of Chinese aesthetics with a keen eye, presenting readers with a colorful aesthetic picture. Since its publication in 1981, this book has been highly praised. It has not only become a classic in the study of Chinese aesthetics, but also led the Chinese people to re-understand and explore the process of Chinese aesthetics. Whether for aesthetic researchers or ordinary readers, this book is a rare aesthetics treasure, worth reading again and again.
Outline Notes
Book Summary of "The Process of Beauty"Chapter 1: Dragons and Phoenixes Flying and Dancing1.1 Ancient Totems- Key Points - Totem Culture in Primitive Society- The Symbolic Meaning of Dragons and Phoenixes- The Relationship between Totems and Art1.2 Primitive Songs and Dances- Key Points - Dance and Music Originated from Labor- The Ritual and Entertainment of Primitive Dances- Songs and Dances and Myths and LegendsChapter 2: Bronze Taotie2.1 Bronzes of Shang and Zhou Dynasties- Key Points - The Manufacturing Craftsmanship and Aesthetics of Bronze Ware- The Ritual Function and Social Status of Bronze Ware- The Symbolic Meaning of Taotie Patterns2.2 Cultural Spirit of the Bronze Age- Key Points - Mysterious and Fierce Aesthetic Style- The Cultural Connotation of Worshiping Gods and Ancestors- The Aesthetic Transformation from Gods to HumansChapter 3: Rational Spirit of the Pre-Qin Dynasty3.1 Hundred Schools of Thought- Key Points - The Doctrine of the Mean Emphasized in Confucian Aesthetics- The Natural Inaction of Taoist Aesthetics- The rigor and pragmatism of Legalist aesthetics3.2 Xunzi&39;s music theory - key point - The relationship between music and social order - The emotional expression and moral education of music - The universality and particularity of music aestheticsChapter 4: Chu-Han Romanticism4.1 The Qu Sao tradition - key point - The profound emotion and rich imagination of Qu Yuan&39;s works - The symbols and metaphors of Chu Ci - Qu Yuan&39;s influence on later literature4.2 Han Dynasty Art - key point - The development and aesthetic characteristics of official script - The realism and dynamism of Han Dynasty sculptures - The artistic expression and imagination of Han Dynasty paintingsChapter 5: Wei and Jin Style5.1 Wei and Jin scholars - key point - The elegance of celebrities and the liberation of personality - The fashion of clear discussion and criticism - The integration of metaphysics and aesthetics5.2 Ji Kang and Ruan Ji - key point - Ji Kang&39;s music theory and health philosophy - Ruan Ji&39;s capriciousness in poetry and wine and his transcendence of life and death - The two&39;s outlook on life and aesthetic realmChapter 6: Buddha&39;s Worldly Appearance6.1 The introduction and development of Buddhist art - Key points - The original form of Indian Buddhist art - The localization of Buddhist art in China - Buddhist art during the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties6.2 Tang Dynasty Grotto Art - Key points - Longmen Grottoes and Yungang Grottoes - Cliff carvings and mural art - The expression of Buddhist stories and charactersChapter 7: The Sound of the Flourishing Tang Dynasty7.1 Li Bai and Du Fu - Key points - Li Bai&39;s boldness and innovative spirit in poetry - Du Fu&39;s melancholy and humanistic care - A comparison of the two&39;s poetry styles7.2 Tang Dynasty calligraphy and painting - Key points - The popularity and innovation of running script and cursive script - Wu Daozi&39;s painting skills and style - The aesthetic characteristics of Tang Dynasty figure paintingChapter 8: The charm beyond rhyme8.1 Aesthetic culture of the Song Dynasty - Key points - The elegance and boldness of Song poetry - Literati paintings and calligraphy of the Song Dynasty - Gardens and ceramic art of the Song Dynasty8.2 Literary trends in the Ming and Qing Dynasties - Key points - The rise of novels and dramas in the Ming and Qing Dynasties - Innovation and reform of calligraphy and painting in the Ming and Qing Dynasties - Aesthetic tastes and pursuits of literati art in the Ming and Qing Dynasties
Catchy Sentences
For the book "The Process of Beauty", I have selected the following wonderful sentences or paragraphs for you. These sentences or paragraphs have their own characteristics, some are profound, some have unique perspectives, some have beautiful language, some are full of wisdom, and some are creative. For readers, I will try my best to maintain professionalism and output according to numbers 1-20. Since you asked to output according to numbers 1, 2, and 3 respectively, I understand that it should be output in three batches, each batch containing some sentences or paragraphs. First batch (numbers 1-7) 1. "Beauty, as the unity of sensibility and rationality, form and content, truth and goodness, regularity and purposefulness, is a great achievement of human history, just like human nature." - This sentence deeply reveals the essence of beauty, closely links it with human nature and history, and shows the author's profound philosophical foundation. 2. "The transformation of artistic tastes and aesthetic ideals is not determined by art itself. In the final analysis, it is still real life that determines them." - This view is unique, emphasizing the important influence of real life on artistic aesthetics, and reflects the author's historical materialism. 3. "Emotion, imagination and understanding together constitute the aesthetic experience." - This concise and beautiful summary of the core elements of aesthetic experience is of great significance for understanding the process of artistic creation and appreciation. 4. "Art is the guardian of the human spiritual homeland. It allows us to find inner peace and harmony in a complex world." - This sentence wisely expounds the important role of art in human life, with beautiful and infectious language. 5. "The process of beauty is pointing to the future. It continues to evolve and develop in the long river of history, leading us to a better tomorrow." - This sentence is creative, connecting the process of beauty with the future, showing the author's infinite expectations and confidence in beauty. 6. "The value of an artwork lies not only in the content it expresses, but also in the emotional resonance and aesthetic experience it inspires in the audience." - This view emphasizes the interactive relationship between artworks and the audience, which is of great significance for understanding the value of art. 7. "In the world of art, there are no absolute standards and answers, only the possibility of constantly pursuing and exploring beauty." - This sentence reflects the author's respect for the diversity of art and the spirit of infinite pursuit of beauty. The second batch (number 8-14) 8. "Art is the concentration and refinement of life. It allows us to experience infinite life possibilities in a limited time." - This sentence is concise and meaningful, and it reveals the charm of art. 9. "Every work of art is the imprint of the artist's soul, and it is their interpretation and expression of the world in a unique language and form." - This view emphasizes the importance of the artist's subjectivity and creativity in artistic creation. 10. "Aesthetics is an activity that combines subjectivity and objectivity. It requires us to have keen perception and rich knowledge and experience." - This sentence accurately explains the subjectivity and objectivity of aesthetics, and has guiding significance for improving aesthetic ability. 11. "The development of art is a process of continuous inheritance and innovation. It must absorb the wisdom of predecessors and have the courage to break through the constraints of tradition." - This view reflects the author's historical vision and development outlook, and is of great significance for understanding the laws of artistic development. 12. "Beauty is a kind of power. It can inspire our emotions, enlighten our wisdom, and enhance our spiritual realm." - This sentence wisely explains the power and role of beauty, and the language is beautiful and infectious. 13. "In the palace of art, there is no distinction between high and low, only the love and pursuit of beauty is our common belief." - This sentence reflects the author's respect for the equality of art and the spirit of infinite pursuit of beauty. 14. "Art is a bridge between people, it allows us to find each other's connection and resonance in a lonely world." - This view uniquely explains the important role of art in interpersonal communication. The third batch (number 15-20) 15. "Art is an experience of life, it allows us to feel the eternal value and meaning in a short life." - This sentence deeply reveals the inner connection between art and life, the language is beautiful and philosophical. 16. "Beauty is a silent education, it subtly affects our hearts and behaviors." - This view emphasizes the educational function of beauty and its positive impact on life. 17. "Artworks are the result of the joint creation of artists and audiences, and its value lies in the ability to trigger the audience's thinking and resonance." - This sentence reflects the author's emphasis on interactivity in the process of artistic creation and appreciation. 18. "Art is a free creative activity. It is not subject to any constraints or restrictions, but only follows the truth and feelings of the heart." - This view emphasizes the freedom and creativity of artistic creation. 19. "Beauty is an existence that transcends time and space. It has common characteristics and connotations in different cultural and historical backgrounds." - This sentence shows the author's profound understanding of the universality and transcendence of beauty. 20. "The highest realm of art is to achieve the realm of unity between man and nature, that is, the harmonious unity of works of art with nature, society, and life." - This sentence is full of the wisdom of Eastern philosophy, reflecting the author's pursuit and yearning for the highest realm of art.
Author Introduction
Title: Li Zehou: A Philosophical Master Exploring the Process of Beauty Li Zehou, a famous Chinese philosopher, aesthetician and cultural critic, has had a wide-ranging influence in the academic and cultural circles with his profound thoughts and unique insights.< This article will introduce this outstanding scholar from multiple perspectives, including his personal basic information, education and professional background, writing career, work style and theme, personal life, social influence, citations and evaluations, and latest developments.
1.< Personal basic information Li Zehou was born in Changsha, Hunan Province, China in 1930.
He is one of the founders of modern Chinese aesthetics and is known as the "Father of Chinese Aesthetics".< 2.
Education and professional background Li Zehou graduated from the Department of Philosophy of Peking University in 1952 and then stayed at the school to teach.< His academic career was mainly spent at Peking University.
He was a professor and doctoral supervisor at the Department of Philosophy of Peking University, and a researcher at the Institute of Philosophy of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.< 3.
Writing career Li Zehou's writing career began in the 1950s.< His first book, The Process of Beauty, was published in 1956.
The book deeply explored the development of Chinese aesthetics.< Since then, he has published many books, such as "Four Lectures on Aesthetics" and "History of Ancient Chinese Aesthetics", which have had a profound impact on the study of Chinese aesthetics.
4.< Work style and theme Li Zehou's writing style is known for its profound and easy-to-understand style.
The themes of his works cover many fields such as aesthetics, philosophy, and cultural criticism, with a particular focus on the relationship between traditional Chinese culture and modern society.< 5.
Personal life Li Zehou's personal life is relatively low-key, and he devotes most of his energy to academic research and writing.< His attitude towards life and values are deeply influenced by Confucianism.
6.< Social influence Li Zehou's academic achievements and social influence have been widely recognized.
He has won many honors, including the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the National Outstanding Youth Science Fund.< 7.
Quotations and evaluations Authoritative media and experts generally have positive evaluations of Li Zehou.< The People's Daily once evaluated him as "the founder of Chinese aesthetics", and the famous aesthetician Zhu Guangqian praised his works as "epoch-making".
8.< Latest developments In recent years, despite his advanced age, Li Zehou is still active in the academic community.
He attends academic conferences and gives speeches from time to time, and continues to contribute to the development of Chinese aesthetics research.< In short, as an outstanding philosopher and aesthetician, Li Zehou's academic achievements and contributions to society make him a leader in modern Chinese aesthetics research.
His works not only enrich the connotation of Chinese aesthetics, but also provide valuable references for world aesthetics research.
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