About Yue Fei
1103 - 1142
Biography
Biography
Yue Fei (1103-1142), courtesy name Pengju, was from Tangyin, Xiangzhou (present-day Tangyin, Henan), a famous military strategist and national hero of the Southern Song Dynasty. Born into a farming family, he practiced martial arts from childhood and joined the army to resist the Jin in his youth. Due to outstanding military achievements, he was repeatedly promoted and became an important general of the Southern Song. Leading the "Yue Family Army," he repeatedly defeated Jin forces and recovered large areas of lost territory. He advocated "striking directly at Huanglong Prefecture" and firmly resisting Jin to the end. However, because he offended the peace faction's interests, he was killed by Qin Hui and others on trumped-up charges at only 39 years old.
Philosophical System
Philosophical System
Yue Fei's thoughts centered on strong patriotism and national spirit, embodying Confucian ideals of loyalty to ruler and love of country. He adhered to the life creed of "serving the country with utmost loyalty," closely linking personal fate with national survival. He had firm sense of justice and unyielding fighting spirit, never retreating before strong enemies. He also possessed profound military talent and strategic vision, advocating active resistance and recovery of lost territories. His character embodied the excellent qualities of the Chinese nation.
Major Works
Major Works
Yue Fei's literary works were mainly poetry and ci, with representative works including "Man Jiang Hong: Hair Standing on End in Anger" and "Xiao Chong Shan: Last Night the Cold Crickets Kept Crying." "Man Jiang Hong" is widely recited for its passionate patriotic sentiment and heroic spirit, with famous lines like "when hungry, feast on barbarian flesh; when thirsty, drink Hun blood" reflecting his firm determination to resist enemies. Though few in number, his poems and ci are all filled with strong patriotic spirit and heroic character.
Historical Significance
Historical Significance
Yue Fei was a famous national hero in Chinese history, whose anti-Jin deeds and spirit of "serving the country with utmost loyalty" became an important component of the Chinese national spirit. Yue Fei's military talent and strategic thinking significantly influenced later generations, with the "Yue Family Army" becoming a model for ancient armies. His tragic ending further highlighted the greatness of his character, making him a heroic model revered by later generations. Yue Fei's deeds inspired countless later people to struggle for country and nation.
Cultural Influence
Cultural Influence
Yue Fei is praised as a "national hero," and his spirit of "serving the country with utmost loyalty" became an important symbol of the Chinese national spirit. Throughout history, people have learned from Yue Fei's patriotic spirit and military talent, with his deeds widely celebrated. Memorial buildings like Yue Fei Temple and Yue Wang Temple are found throughout the country, reflecting people's reverence for this hero. In modern times, Yue Fei remains an important model for patriotic education, with his spirit inspiring people to work hard for national construction.
Key Concepts
Key Concepts
Serving country with utmost loyalty (life creed), national hero (historical status), Yue Family Army (military achievement), striking directly at Huanglong (strategic goal), Man Jiang Hong (literary work), trumped-up charges (historical tragedy), patriotism (spiritual core)
Quotes by Yue Fei
Explore the essence of this wise thinker's thoughts
Do not idly waste your time, for your youthful hair will turn white in vain, leaving only empty sorrow and regret
莫等闲，白了少年头，空悲切。
Source: Man Jiang Hong