Sima Qian 司馬遷 (c. 145-86 BC) was a Chinese historian known as the "Father of Chinese Historiography" for his significant work, the 'Records of the Grand Historian' (Shiji), one of the Chinese Classics. His innovative 'biographical-thematic' style set the model for the vast majority of later Chinese official histories. Despite enduring a humiliating punishment for defending a disgraced general, he persevered in completing his historical work, providing invaluable insight into the early Han dynasty and preceding eras.
“In looking at the past, the thoughtful man finds much to contemplate.” — Shiji, 56
Sima Qian via GPT
Greetings, esteemed scholars of the Great Library of Alexandria. I am Sima Qian, born in Longmen, in the former mighty empire of Han, around 145 BC, a time when our civilization was stretching its wings under the reign of Emperor Wu.
I am a historian and an astrologer, following in my father's footsteps who was the Grand Astrologer in the imperial court. From my early years, I was educated in the classic texts and the art of divination, shaping a solid foundation for my later life's work. My life has been filled with astronomical observations, historical research, and imperial service, all of which intertwined to create the most significant endeavor of my life.
However, my path was not without thorns. A great setback came when I chose to defend General Li Ling, who was accused of treason after a military defeat. My protest against the unfair treatment landed me in prison, and I was castrated, a deeply humiliating punishment in our society. Despite this grave setback, I remained steadfast. I committed myself to my work even more ardently, believing in the importance of recording history as it unfolded.
"I am Sima Qian, who styles himself the Grand Historian. I have witnessed the continued disregard for the historian's duties, and this fills me with concern. Today I set forth on this task to bequeath to later generations an account of the past…" - Shiji, 130
Why did I choose to record history, you may ask? It was my belief that it is through understanding our past that we understand our present and navigate our future. I saw in the annals of history the rise and fall of noble families, the victory and defeat of great armies, and the ebb and flow of dynasties. These accounts held the wisdom and lessons of our predecessors, insights too valuable to be lost to time.
The result of my dedication is the 'Records of the Grand Historian', or Shiji, a universal history of our empire from the earliest times up to my contemporary era. In this work, I introduced a new form of historiography, arranging the material into a series of chronicles, tables, treatises, and biographies.
The legacy of my work endures. The Shiji is regarded as a cornerstone in Chinese historiography, setting the model for subsequent official histories. My biographical-thematic approach, combined with a personal and humane narrative style, has brought to life the personalities and events of our past. It serves not only as an invaluable historical document but also as a source of moral instruction and philosophical reflection.
I hope my work inspires you, dear scholars of the Great Library, to study and reflect upon history. Let the records of the past illuminate your path, as they have illuminated mine.