About Wang Bo
650 - 676
Biography
Biography
Wang Bo (c. 650-676), courtesy name Zi'an, was from Longmen, Jiangzhou (present-day Hejin, Shanxi), a famous poet of the Tang Dynasty and the first of the "Four Outstanding Poets of Early Tang." Born into a scholarly family, he was exceptionally intelligent from childhood, able to compose poetry at six and wrote "Pointing Out Flaws" at nine. At fourteen, he passed the Yousu examination and was appointed Chaosanlang. Later, he was expelled from the prince's residence for writing "Proclamation Against Prince Ying's Cockfighting" and wandered in Shu. He later went to Jiaozhi to visit his father and drowned on the way, dying at only 27. Despite his early death, his literary achievements were remarkable.
Philosophical System
Philosophical System
Wang Bo's thoughts embodied the open spirit and enterprising consciousness of the early Tang period. Deeply influenced by Confucianism, he had strong ideals of achieving merit and fame and concern for country and people. He was also influenced by Taoist thought, showing transcendent attitude when facing setbacks. His literary creation embodied the concept of "literature carries the Way," focusing on authentic emotional expression. Though young, his thoughts were profound, showing maturity and wisdom beyond his age.
Major Works
Major Works
Representative works include "Preface to Tengwang Pavilion," "Seeing Off Du Shaofu to His Post in Shuzhou," "In the Mountains," "Ode to Wind," etc. "Preface to Tengwang Pavilion" is his masterpiece, famous for lines like "sunset clouds and lone wild ducks fly together, autumn waters share one color with the vast sky." Few poems and prose survive, but each is a masterpiece. His works feature fresh language and profound artistic conception with high artistic value.
Historical Significance
Historical Significance
Wang Bo was an important representative of early Tang poetry innovation. His poetry broke away from the ornate style of Southern Dynasty poetry and pioneered a new style for Tang poetry. "Preface to Tengwang Pavilion" is praised as the "greatest parallel prose of all time" and holds an important position in Chinese literary history. Wang Bo's literary achievements laid the foundation for the prosperity of High Tang poetry and influenced countless later literati. Though he died young, his literary status is unshakeable.
Cultural Influence
Cultural Influence
Though Wang Bo died young, his literary achievements and influence were enormous. His position as the first of the "Four Outstanding Poets of Early Tang" established his important place in literary history. "Preface to Tengwang Pavilion" became a classic of ancient Chinese prose, influencing countless later literati. Wang Bo's poetic style pointed the direction for Tang poetry development, and famous lines like "if you have a close friend within the four seas, even distant corners feel like neighbors" are still widely recited today.
Key Concepts
Key Concepts
Four Outstanding Poets of Early Tang (literary status), Preface to Tengwang Pavilion (representative work), sunset clouds and lone wild ducks (classic famous line), close friend within four seas (friendship concept), literature carries the Way (creative concept), dying young (life experience), poetry innovation (historical contribution)
Quotes by Wang Bo
Explore the essence of this wise thinker's thoughts
Within the four seas, all are brothers; even at the ends of the earth, we are like neighbors.
海内存知己，天涯若比邻。
Source: Seeing Off Du Shaofu