S8E08 | Let's Stick Together

S8E08 | Let's Stick Together

Author: Laszlo Montgomery October 22, 2023 Duration: 11:58

Once again, for all CHP listeners, I'm featuring the latest episode of the Chinese Sayings Podcast. It's said that we human beings have been called social animals by nature. Some of us love other kinds of people more than others do. But no matter how enamored one might be about another culture, nation, or people, we all tend to stick with our own kind. This 4th Century BC Chinese Saying comes from "The Strategies of the Warring States." and concerns the witty and capable minister to King Wei of Qi and his son King Xuan: Chunyu Kun. King Xuan needed to round up several talented souls to help him manage the Kingdom of Qi, where the stunning and beautiful Shandong Peninsula is located. Answering the king's call, Chunyu Kun gathered a whole bunch of worthy and talented men and schooled the king about how easy it was to find them. This is the story behind Wù Yǐ Lèi Jù 物以类聚. I also mentioned another chengyu that goes along with this episode: yīmíng jīngrén 一鸣惊人. You get that one too, at no extra cost, I might add. Only two more episodes to go for this season. Like last time in Season 7, be looking for un episodio extra especial featuring our hardworking and brilliant 领导 of the 成语研究中心 in Beijing: Emma. Looking forward to seeing some of you in Hong Kong during my few days there. My deepest gratitude for listening.

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For more than a decade, Laszlo Montgomery has been guiding audiences through the vast and intricate tapestry of Chinese civilization on The China History Podcast. This isn't a dry recitation of dates and dynasties, but a deeply researched exploration of the people, ideas, and events that have shaped one of the world's oldest continuous cultures. Each episode feels like a focused conversation, unpacking a specific theme, figure, or era with a clarity that makes complex history accessible. You'll find episodes delving into the philosophical foundations laid by Confucius and Laozi, the machinations of imperial courts, the transformative impact of the Silk Road, and the profound changes of the modern age. With a catalog surpassing 350 episodes, the journey spans from deepest antiquity to contemporary times, offering a comprehensive resource for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts. Laszlo's steady narration and careful curation build connections across centuries, revealing how the past continuously informs the present. Tuning into this podcast is an ongoing education, revealing the incredible depth and diversity of Chinese history, society, and culture, one story at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The China History Podcast
Podcast Episodes
S9E04 | Be like Kong Rong [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:35
This Chinese Saying, or at least the story, is rather well-known. The story of young Kong Rong and the bowl of pears. Kǒng Róng Ràng Lí 孔融让梨. This perennial children's favorite has a nice moral lesson to teach. When you…
The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 6) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 5) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:51
This time we move beyond Confucius to look at some of the other schools of thought that contended with each other during the Spring and Autumn Period of the Zhou Dynasty. This included the School of Names and the Sophist…
The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 4) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:55
The story of Confucius and what he taught continues with an introduction to his disciples. We also look at Confucian core beliefs as well as selected quotes from the Analects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega…
S9E03 | Please allow me to introduce myself [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:16
Sima Qian strikes again. This time around we look at the well-known saying, Máo Suì Zì Jiàn 毛遂自荐. I tend to favor those 成语's from the Warring States Period. This one concerns the particularly volatile time in the Warring…
The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 3) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:35
In this episode, we'll take a look at the early life of Confucius and his service to the State of Lu. We'll also look at a few stories from his life, including the legend of when Confucius met Laozi. The Great Sage's ref…
S9E02 | R-E-S-P-E-C-T [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:39
This week's Chinese Saying is another good and respectable one that comes to us compliments of the Book of Song. It concerns the Northern Song official and literatus Yang Shi. His two main teachers were the famous Cheng…
The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:39
This time we will look at some pre-Confucian philosophy during the Zhou Dynasty. Philosophers such as the little-known Yuzi 鬻子 will be introduced. Then we will look at Guan Zhong 管仲 and the concept of the Chinese Gentlem…
Laszlo Chats with Kaiser Kuo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:57
Just in time for Kaiser's birthday today, March 7th, here's a recording of a chat we had a couple of days ago. Nothing too heavy. Laszlo invited Kaiser on to the CHP for a friendly, light-hearted, and respectful conversa…
The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:04
Back in 2017, I produced a nine-part series on the history of Chinese philosophy. These were once episodes CHP-184 to 192. In 2021, I removed this series from the CHP lineup of shows and published it as an online course.…