In traditional Taoist concepts, death simply represents a return to the Tao or to nothingness. Therefore, most people, in pursuit of their own path, seek a heroic death.
Thus, due to the influence of Taoism, a strong cult of death existed in traditional Chinese thought in ancient China.
If you voluntarily commit martyrdom, future generations will forgive you for many things. In Chinese history, prominent figures knew their names would live on, either forever in fame or in infamy. Therefore, they sometimes voluntarily committed martyrdom.
For example, the last emperor of the Ming Dynasty was so incompetent that he couldn't even stop starving peasants from storming Beijing.
But he voluntarily committed martyrdom rather than surrender, so he remains highly regarded. The Qing emperors didn't do this, instead paying compensation to the gweilo. Therefore, they are held in low regard.
I like the Kuomintang to a certain extent, though certainly not the current Kuomintang. This is because most of their generals more or less adhered to this principle: they pursued death.
I dislike the Communist Party because they are too utilitarian. They may be successful politically, but they have abandoned traditional Chinese values. They are more like the Yellow Rus*ians.
Thus, due to the influence of Taoism, a strong cult of death existed in traditional Chinese thought in ancient China.
If you voluntarily commit martyrdom, future generations will forgive you for many things. In Chinese history, prominent figures knew their names would live on, either forever in fame or in infamy. Therefore, they sometimes voluntarily committed martyrdom.
For example, the last emperor of the Ming Dynasty was so incompetent that he couldn't even stop starving peasants from storming Beijing.
But he voluntarily committed martyrdom rather than surrender, so he remains highly regarded. The Qing emperors didn't do this, instead paying compensation to the gweilo. Therefore, they are held in low regard.
I like the Kuomintang to a certain extent, though certainly not the current Kuomintang. This is because most of their generals more or less adhered to this principle: they pursued death.
I dislike the Communist Party because they are too utilitarian. They may be successful politically, but they have abandoned traditional Chinese values. They are more like the Yellow Rus*ians.
