In the studied account of Liu Dapeng life by Henrietta Harrison, The Man Awakened from Dreams takes the reader on a journey through the history of China during the 19th and 20th century through a first-hand account of Dapeng’s writings from the time of 1891 up until his death in 1942. Dapeng was a Confucian scholar and teacher who held onto his Confucian beliefs he had gained during his youth throughout his life while China in retrospect changed drastically. Dapend grew up in the village of Chiqiao located in northern China in Shanxi province. Dapeng 's writings were never published and without Harrison 's discovery Liu Dapeng may have faded away in history unrecognized. Through the analysis of Dapeng’s writings the reader is able to better
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Dapeng took Guofan’s instructions that stated “…write in the formal script. You should include all the sins you have committed during the day... You should continue to write it all your life without any gaps” (Harrison 11). Dapeng transformed his content to meet these instructions and for the next 51 years he would write in his diary ever day instead of intermittently. After years of studying for the state exams Dapeng was unsuccessful in passing these exams and by the age of 37 felt he had not amounted to anything of value. At this time Dapeng had a dream where a wise old man told him to succeed “all you need to do is to be sincere and respectful in your dealings” (Harrison 19). This answer cured Dapeng’s troubles and from then on Dapeng had lived his life with purpose always remembering the old man’s …show more content…
Whether it was the Boxer rebellion or the reform of 1898, Dapeng continued on the same course of philosophy while the Chinese government struggled to find harmony towards its transition into the modern age. In regards to the Chinese culture Confucianism is rooted in the history of Chinese origin in that its values reflected the birth and growth of the Chinese civilization. Dapeng’s Father. Liu Dapeng was a firm believer in education and this was instilled in Dapeng. Dapeng’s father wanted his son to strive for high office through the use of his higher standard of education. The system of honor and filial piety played an important role in shaping young Dapeng’s life. Dapeng’s beliefs were rooted in the beliefs of Confucianisms where the “ system of ethics, education, and statesmanship taught by Confucius and his disciples, stressing love for humanity, ancestor worship, reverence for parents, and harmony in thought and conduct”. (AP World History). This system where parents were regarded as the highest admiration was Dapeng’s most important belief. Dapeng sought harmony from nature and from his relationships during a time of turmoil in Chinese history. Dapeng’s thoughts were always of the highest regard and his principles were never shattered even when questioned by modern thinkers. Dapeng’s father paid for his education and hoped for the best of his son with the
Dapeng took Guofan’s instructions that stated “…write in the formal script. You should include all the sins you have committed during the day... You should continue to write it all your life without any gaps” (Harrison 11). Dapeng transformed his content to meet these instructions and for the next 51 years he would write in his diary ever day instead of intermittently. After years of studying for the state exams Dapeng was unsuccessful in passing these exams and by the age of 37 felt he had not amounted to anything of value. At this time Dapeng had a dream where a wise old man told him to succeed “all you need to do is to be sincere and respectful in your dealings” (Harrison 19). This answer cured Dapeng’s troubles and from then on Dapeng had lived his life with purpose always remembering the old man’s …show more content…
Whether it was the Boxer rebellion or the reform of 1898, Dapeng continued on the same course of philosophy while the Chinese government struggled to find harmony towards its transition into the modern age. In regards to the Chinese culture Confucianism is rooted in the history of Chinese origin in that its values reflected the birth and growth of the Chinese civilization. Dapeng’s Father. Liu Dapeng was a firm believer in education and this was instilled in Dapeng. Dapeng’s father wanted his son to strive for high office through the use of his higher standard of education. The system of honor and filial piety played an important role in shaping young Dapeng’s life. Dapeng’s beliefs were rooted in the beliefs of Confucianisms where the “ system of ethics, education, and statesmanship taught by Confucius and his disciples, stressing love for humanity, ancestor worship, reverence for parents, and harmony in thought and conduct”. (AP World History). This system where parents were regarded as the highest admiration was Dapeng’s most important belief. Dapeng sought harmony from nature and from his relationships during a time of turmoil in Chinese history. Dapeng’s thoughts were always of the highest regard and his principles were never shattered even when questioned by modern thinkers. Dapeng’s father paid for his education and hoped for the best of his son with the