Ssu-Ma Ch’ien

= Chinese historian during the Han dynasty, also called "Sima Qian": "most noted for his authorship of the Shiji (“Historical Records”), which is considered to be the most important history of China down to the end of the 2nd century." [1]

Bio

"Ssu-ma Chien wrote the first comprehensive history of China, the 'Shih chi' meaning 'Historical Record'.

Ssu-ma Chien initiated a remarkable tradition of historical writing. He organized China's history around the idea that each dynasty began with a virtuous ruler chosen by Heaven, and then by degrees lost its initial virtue until Heaven lost patience and withdrew its mandate from the last unworthy ruler."

(https://www.hyperhistory.com/online_n2/people_n2/persons2_n2/ssuma.html)

Publications

• Watson B. (1958). Ssu-Ma Ch’ien: Grand Historian of China. 221 pp. New York: Columbia University Press.

"Excellent interpretation of the ancient Chinese philosopher Ssu-Ma Ch’ien. Does the Tao operate in history, what are the stages in history? For Ssu-Ma Ch’ien, it was the sage-king that intervened when the Tao degenerated. History and future are thus cyclical with the rise and fall of the Tao. When wisdom and learning separate, then society degenerates."