About Qian Fu
1461 - 1504
Biography
Biography
Qian Fu (1461-1504), courtesy name Yuqian, literary name Hetan, was from Huating County, Songjiang Prefecture, Southern Zhili (present-day Songjiang, Shanghai), a writer of the Ming Dynasty. Born into a scholarly family, he was intelligent and studious from childhood. In the 23rd year of Chenghua (1487), he achieved first place in the imperial examination (zhuangyuan) and was appointed as Compiler of the Hanlin Academy. He was modest in character, erudite in learning, and excellent in both poetry and prose. He participated in compiling important works such as "Da Ming Hui Dian." He died young at only 43, but his literary achievements held an important position in Ming Dynasty literary circles.
Philosophical System
Philosophical System
Qian Fu's thoughts embodied the Confucian cultivation and humanistic spirit of Ming Dynasty literati. He emphasized personal moral cultivation and the Confucian ideal of "cultivating oneself, regulating the family, governing the state, and bringing peace to the world." In literary creation, he advocated "literature carries the Way," believing literature should bear moral and educational functions. He had profound classical literary cultivation and revered Tang and Song poetry and prose traditions. He also had the unique personality pursuits characteristic of Ming literati, innovating while inheriting traditions.
Major Works
Major Works
Qian Fu's major works include poetry, prose, and classics he participated in compiling. His poetry style was elegant and refined, mostly consisting of historical reflections and nostalgic works, reflecting profound cultural foundation. His prose works had fluent writing and incisive discussions, possessing high literary value. "Da Ming Hui Dian," which he participated in compiling, was an important compilation of Ming political systems, demonstrating his academic ability. Though few of his works survive, they are of high quality and occupy a place in Ming literary history.
Historical Significance
Historical Significance
Qian Fu was an important writer of the Ming Dynasty, whose status as zhuangyuan and literary achievements held important positions in Ming literary circles. As a representative literatus of the early Ming period, his creative style and literary concepts had certain influence on literary development of his time and later generations. His participation in compiling works like "Da Ming Hui Dian" was significant for Ming cultural construction. Though he died young, his literary achievements were still revered by later literati.
Cultural Influence
Cultural Influence
As a zhuangyuan writer of the Ming Dynasty, Qian Fu's academic achievements and literary talent were revered by later generations. The classics he participated in compiling were significant for Ming cultural transmission and influenced later academic research. Though few of his works survive, his literary concepts and creative style had certain influence on Ming literary development. In Jiangnan cultural circles, Qian Fu was regarded as a representative of brilliant talent, inspiring later literati to pursue dual achievements in academics and literature.
Key Concepts
Key Concepts
Ming zhuangyuan (academic status), Hetan (literary name), Da Ming Hui Dian (academic achievement), literature carries the Way (literary concept), Jiangnan talent (cultural identity), Hanlin Compiler (official position), died young (life tragedy)
Quotes by Qian Fu
Explore the essence of this wise thinker's thoughts
Tomorrow after tomorrow, how numerous the tomorrows are! If I spend my life waiting for tomorrow, all things will end in wasted time and regret.
明日复明日，明日何其多。我生待明日，万事成蹉跎。
Source: Song of Tomorrow