A Chinese economics professor in the United Kingdom has written a children's book in English that tells ancient legends and myths of China, in contributing to building bridges of communication and mutual understanding between China and the West.
Professor Wang Xiaobing, a lecturer of economics at the University of Manchester, is the author of "Myths of China," a book to share Chinese mythologies with English-speaking children. The ancient stories, according to Wang, shaped Chinese culture and convey universal values shared by all peoples.
"It reflects human nature, our pursuit for happiness, our pursuit for freedom, for love. This is common. It is shared among Chinese people, and many other people. And many of those stories reflect that," Wang said.
The book explores human virtue through the mythologies. The tale of Pangu, the creation god who split chaos into sky and earth, symbolizes the importance of balance. And the tale of Nuwa, who repairs the sky and saves the planet from natural disasters sparked by a battle between fire and water gods, glorifies sacrifice and mercy, and tells the fragileness of nature.
But the stories are not about lecturing Wang said, but for young people to discover their own meanings.
"You cannot just tell them, 'Do this, do that'. No, the first thing is that you love the story. You enjoy reading the story, or you enjoy your parents telling you the story. And then you feel your imagination has been broadened," Wang said.
These ancient stories are still finding new audiences. And Wang said, with his book, he is trying revitalizing the myths, and bringing the timeless messages from ancient China into the modern world.
Children's book about Chinese myths published in UK, sharing universal values
