King Louis XIV of France was good at ballet and built Versailles. French soft power such as clothing, food, literature and art has conquered the world, and speaking French has become fashionable to this day.
Russian Czar Peter I regarded backward Russia as a shame and a pain. He went to Europe to comprehensively learn Western knowledge. He worked tirelessly to transform Russia, but he encountered misunderstanding, resistance, and even a military coup. He suppressed opponents with an iron fist, and finally built a medieval agricultural country that was greedy for land into a modern coastal cultural, economic, and military power.
Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty came to the throne at a young age. He eliminated Obai, pacified the three vassals, took over Taiwan, resisted the Russian army, and destroyed Galdan. The Qing Dynasty reached its peak, ushering in the prosperous era of Kangxi, Yongzong and Qianlong. Kangxi developed China's feudal dynasty to its peak and also unveiled the prelude to its decline. Compared with Europe's freedom of thought, scientific and technological development, and the prosperity of the country and the military, Emperor Kangxi did not lay the foundation for a new era. China and Europe passed each other shoulder to shoulder and could no longer catch up.
Reader comments
I especially like the part in the book that describes Louis XIV and Peter I. One of them pursues fashion, the other is committed to reform, and they are both charming. However, it is still a bit emotional to see the gap between China and Europe mentioned in the book. This book is worth reading and I recommend it to you!
I especially like the part in the book that describes Louis XIV and Peter I. One of them pursues fashion, the other is committed to reform, and they are both charming. However, it is still a bit emotional to see the gap between China and Europe mentioned in the book. This book is worth reading and I recommend it to you!