博文

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The Heir and the Sage

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Allan, S 2016, The Heir and the sage: dynastic legend in early China, Suny Press, Albany. This book studies legends of the transfer of rule in early China, from Yao-Shun to King Wu in light of structuralism. There is a dichotomy between virtue and heredity. The succession of Shun is the mediator of the two principles (p.38). "The opposition between virtue and heredity is also of universal importance. 'Virtue,' as I have used the term in this study, is essentially a response to the demands of the larger community or state, even when these demands conflict with the interests of one's family or kinship group. Heredity is the protection of family or kinship interests." (p. 137) Sometimes, the structure the author invents determines the interpretation of the primary text. It is quite far-fetched. The example, see p. 111. And there are the whole legend sets on p. 144.