INTERPRETATION OF UNIVERSAL HARMONY: A HISTORY OF THE SOCIAL CHANGES IN CHINA

In this work, the author systematically examines the evolution of ancient Chinese society through the Confucian framework of "universal harmony," "moderate prosperity," and "social disorder." By tracing dynastic cycles, reform movements, and shifts in moral consciousness, he offers a powerful lens for understanding China's long tradition of social change.

This book was first developed from the author's lecture notes for his course History of Chinese Social Development at Kwang Hua University in Shanghai. Blending classical Confucian thought with perspectives from modern social science, Lü constructs a distinctive "philosophy of history" that bridges China's past with the intellectual currents of his own time. Written in both classical and vernacular Chinese, the book reflects Lü's lifelong commitment to Confucian ideals and remains a landmark study for anyone interested in Chinese philosophy, history, and political thought.

Lü Simian (1884–1957) was a distinguished Chinese historian and a leading authority on ancient Chinese civilization. He served as a professor at Kwang Hua University and later at East China Normal University, and from the 1950s was recognized as a "First Class" professor, the highest academic rank of the time. He was especially renowned for his research on modern Chinese history. His major works include A Comprehensive History of China, The History of the Pre-Qin Period, The History of the Qin and Han Dynasties, The History of the Two Jin Dynasties and the Northern and Southern Dynasties, The History of the Sui, Tang, and Five Dynasties, among others.