S9E03 | Please allow me to introduce myself

S9E03 | Please allow me to introduce myself

Author: Laszlo Montgomery March 24, 2024 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 States during the reign of the aggressive and pugnacious Qin King Zhaoxiang. After a disastrous defeat at Changping in 260 BC, the State of Zhao had to seek urgent assistance from Chu. In this familiar story, we see how Mao Sui, at the time, no one of consequence, steps up to offer his help during a dark hour for Zhao. His value is doubted but Mao Sui proved them wrong.

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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
Ep. 338 | The History of Chinese Medicine (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:15
As advertised last time in Part 1, we'll take a look at The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon, the Huangdi Neijing 黄帝内经, including an explanation of the meridians. I'll also read a few passages from this most important of the…
S8E08 | Let's Stick Together [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:58
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Ep. 337 | The History of Chinese Medicine (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:33
Here we commence a new series, one that will explore the history of Chinese Medicine. In this episode, we'll explore some of the basics and the lives and achievements of China's earliest physicians, the mythical and the…
S8E07 | Help! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:16
We're back for the seventh time this season. This time we're happy to feature once again the great Daoist philosopher who never disappoints. This story about the fish in a rut is a rather well-known one from the Outer Ch…
S8E06 | Looks can be deceiving [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:44
For the second time this season, we refer to Zuo Qiuming's "Chronicles of Zuo" for another good and useful chengyu. This one takes place in the Spring and Autumn Period and concerns a haughty self-important minister from…
Ep. 336 | Guiguzi, The Sage of Ghost Valley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:41
Written into the ancient histories were the big-name Warring States characters Su Qin, Zhang Yi, Sun Bin, and Pang Juan. Sima Qian and others remarked that these four men were all students of Guiguzi 鬼谷子. He's like a lot…
S8E05 | Shock the Monkey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:11
Lovers of all things Song Dynasty will surely recall the story of Qin Hui. He has top billing in this tale concerning the story behind Shù Dǎo Húsūn Sàn 树倒猢狲散. This one has practical applications these days when we see p…
Ep. 335 | Qian Xuesen (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:55
Once his past attendance at meetings of the Pasadena Communist Party in 1938 come to light, Qian gets caught up in the Red Scare of the 1950s. In this Part 2 episode, we see how the US government accused Qian of being a…
Ep. 334 | Qian Xuesen (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:28
Once again, by popular demand, here's another oft-requested topic. With the recent release of the Oppenheimer film, I thought this story was quite timely. Qian Xuesen is called "The Father of China's Missile and Space Pr…
S8E04 | Run For Your Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:19
Once again we thank The Grand Historian for giving up another good one. This one's an eight-character chengyu. The story goes back to 206 BC and the famous story of Liu Bang and Xiang Yu's meeting at The Banquet at Hongm…