The Theory of Humanistic Spirit Contained in Historical Records

Abstract

This paper studies the profound humanistic system constructed in Historical Records, by Sima Qian. Through the combination of text reading and theoretical interpretation, examples and ideological analysis, the following four care dimensions are discussed: the individual value of human and the analysis of the unique status of human in history; The integration of the concept of the times morality, ethics and historical evaluation shows the internal relationship of humanities in society; the philosophy of the indomitable spirit of human; The sublimation of individual value, from the world to the understanding and pursuit of the mission consciousness of cultural heritage. This article argues that the theory of humanistic spirit in Historical Records, by Sima Qian’s a system with rich levels and contents, which takes respect for individuals as its starting point, social construction as its link, and praises the system of fighting bravely for fate and pursuing mission. This system is a great historiography masterpiece that inherits the ancient but has pioneering significance and lays the foundation for the humanistic tradition of Chinese historiography in later generations. It is also the spiritual source of cultivating the spirit of the contemporary people, and has important enlightenment value with personal face, world connection and responsibility burden.