Issue48 （历史研究） 求狂拍~~有拍必回

rodgoodUID: 2619326

48"The study of history places too much emphasis on individuals. The most significant events and trends in history were made possible not by the famous few, but by groups of people whose identities have long been forgotten."


One of the basic theories in historical materialism is that history is created by groups of people, not merely by one or two leaders or heroes recorded in history books. I agree with that. But during the history, someone is inevitably distinguished from ordinary people. Their characteristics not only represent that of the people from whom they stand out, but also reflect the essentials of the society. In addition, with their unique understanding to history development and ability, they always influenced the direction. Thereby, it is necessary to emphasizes research on these famous few.

Ordinary people are the creator of history, no matter peace lives or the most significant events and trends.

Firstly, public, as the main part of society, is owner and constructer of it. On one hand, people make material wealth and spiritual wealth in a society. In daily life, people have to face the reality of life that involves eating, dressing, housing, and moving, which force them to work and make material contribution to society at the same time. On the other hand, people also take leading part in creation of spiritual wealth. Generations of people have been devoting their lives on scientific research and investigation that help them work more efficiently. People also play an irreplaceable role in art creation with countless works that are treasures in human history. Since 1979 when the Reform and Open Policy was implemented in China, society has been changed greatly with people's better life, scientific and technological development and prosperous culture and art. Admittedly, all this is leaded by wise leaders; however, we cannot deny that it is ordinary people who create it with their own hands.

Secondly, if a society is to change, public are also the main force to prompt it. A stable society needs a harmonious development of productive force and productive relationship. If productive relationship, the relationship between producers, is not fit for the productive force, a reform or revolution is inevitable, in which producers, consisting of ordinary people, will be the reformers or revolutionists. Furthermore, if a war breaks out, public are still source of soldiers. Take Chinese history for example again, from Opium War in 1840 to people liberation in 1949, confronting with dangers home and abroad, China had experienced several reforms and wars, in which ordinary people undertook their obligations as a civil to fight for their rights, freedom and independence of their motherland, even at cost of their lives. We can hardly imagine how it is today without them. Could those leaders or heroes manage it alone? Of course not. So, from point of view that society at certain time can be regarded as a moment of history, we can conclude that people create history.

However, although we admit that it is group of people who create history, we cannot ignore the influence of outstanding ones who emerged with distinctive abilities, quality, and charm. For historians, it is useful to research these figures for the reasons discussed below.

For starters, since these famous few came from ordinary people, their standpoints and believe were in accordance with the latter and their career can reflect the characteristics of society. So, these typical ones are good choices for those who want to research the group and society. Abraham Lincoln, American 16th President and respected by people, holded the sympathy to slaves that any conscientious people also had. Especially during the Civil War, President Lincoln shared with people the responsibility of rescuing the unity of country and determination of liberating slaves. From him, historians can grasp believes of group of people and essentials of society then with ease.

More importantly, history development is always influenced by the individuals for their unique and intensive ideas to the situation and ability to seize opportunities. Research on their thinking or behavior will help historians understand history better and more thoroughly. Karl Marx, a great politics, philosopher, and economist, is respected as the mental leader of the world proletariat. In Capital, Marx expounded his insightful comprehension to capitalism, uncovered the developing routine of capitalist society, and predicted the death of capitalism. It undoubtedly influenced the situation of the world, for it became the theoretic basis of proletarian revolutionary and international communist movement. If someone is interested in the origin of Chinese proletarian revolutionary and the history of Chinese Communist Party, it is of great value to investigate Marx and his works, without which can not he get a satisfied result.

In sum, history, ordinary time and revolutionary change, belongs to groups of people and is created by them. But for historians, someone that came out from groups and influenced the direction of history with their thoughts and abilities, is more useful, and their research should focuses on them.

rodgoodUID: 2619326

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