Side Profiles of Scholars / By Huang Chin-hsing

**Capturing the portraits of scholars of this era through words, sketching the true spirit of modern academia.** "Side Profiles of Scholars" gathers numerous sketches by Academician Huang Chin-hsing, Vice President of Academia Sinica and a renowned scholar, dedicated to the "scholars he encountered by chance" in recent years: including "esteemed, learned mentors who greatly benefited me"—Yu Ying-shih, Chi Pang-yuan, and Hsiu-ching Chu; "old friends with whom I've shared decades of camaraderie"—Prasenjit Duara, David Der-wei Wang, and Ge Zhaoguang; as well as international scholars such as Michael Sandel, François Hartog, Kenji Shimada, Denis Twitchett, and Jonathan Spence, with whom, though met only once, he engaged in deep conversations; and even controversial figures in intellectual history like Wang Mian and Wang Guowei. With just a few strokes, he "captures fragments of what he saw and heard," revealing glimpses of each individual's character and scholarship, and sketching a vivid collective portrait of academic luminaries. Thirty years ago, Huang Chin-hsing, under the pen name "Wu Yong-hui," published "Harvard Jottings," recounting his experiences studying at Harvard. The book became a sensation across Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China, influencing generations of students, its resonance undiminished. Thirty years later, now Vice President of Academia Sinica, he continues to write tirelessly amidst a "dilemma of public and private obligations," aiming to leave behind "fleeting glimpses"—"sketches" or "snapshots"—of contemporary scholars. His subjects, while including mentors and friends with whom he had personal contact and direct observation, are all leading scholars and thinkers of great renown today. His observations are not limited to the Chinese-speaking world but extend to researchers in the United States, Japan, France, and other countries, presenting a broader global academic perspective. His writing is intimate, witty, and vivid, using a relaxed tone to depict the demeanor and personalities of scholars, as well as their significant academic contributions. About: **Yu Ying-shih** / That late night, walking with Mr. Yu to Chinatown for a late-night snack, I heard him repeatedly say: "Studying, in essence, comes down to the two words 'dedication' and 'professionalism.'" From the ancient concept of 'hearing the Way' to Mr. Yu's 'dedication,' a flash of insight struck me, and I seemed to grasp the true spirit of modern scholarship. **Chi Pang-yuan** / To lead these bewildered students in conquering the stronghold of English, freeing us from the fear of foreign language reading, and intending to open a small window for these young minds to glimpse Western culture, she truly went to great lengths. **Jonathan D. Spence** / Upon first hearing Denis Twitchett's praise, Jonathan Spence was greatly taken aback. After I tactfully explained, revealing that Master Twitchett had spoken his true feelings after a drink, Spence finally relaxed. In that instant, I truly understood the joy of finally receiving affirmation from a strict mentor. Author: Huang Chin-hsing ISBN: 9789882371729 Binding: Hardcover Language: Traditional Chinese Pages: 244 Dimensions: 195 x 130 mm **About the Author** Huang Chin-hsing, Vice President and Academician of Academia Sinica. His research focuses on the history of modern Chinese thought, religious and cultural history, and Western historiographical theory. He has authored books including "Entering the Realm of the Sages," "Postmodernism and Historical Research," and "From Neo-Confucianism to Ethics." He is particularly skilled in prose writing. Under the pen name "Wu Yong-hui," he published "Harvard Jottings," which became a sensation across Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China, influencing generations of students, its resonance undiminished. https://youtu.be/UrVxDwFBGjI