Notes from a Sickness: Life Notes of Shi Tiesheng

Author: Shi Tiesheng (Author), He Liwei (Illustrator)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-02-01
Features: Shi Tiesheng writes, "Illness is also a kind of life experience, or even a unique journey. The experience of being ill teaches one step by step to appreciate satisfaction. When you have a fever, you realize how refreshing days without fever are. When you cough, you understand how peaceful a throat without coughing feels. When I first sat in a wheelchair, I often thought that not being able to walk upright might mean losing a fundamental aspect of humanity. It seemed as if the world was dark and chaotic. But when I later developed bedsores and had to lie twisted and uncomfortable for several days, I realized that sitting up straight was actually so bright. Later, I contracted 'uremia' and often felt drowsy, unable to think, which made me even more nostalgic for the past. I finally came to understand: in fact, we are fortunate every moment, because any disaster can be preceded by the word 'even more.'" Notes from a Life on the Edge—Shi Tiesheng's Life Notes is Shi Tiesheng's new work after four years. With vivid, accessible, and even beautiful language, he explores and seeks the truths about our lives: life, fate, love, money, morality, faith, a healthy mindset, the paths to success and value, children's education, and the bonds of family, divided into six parts and 243 entries, each word a gem, filled with wisdom and serenity. Disability and love—these two themes are particularly emphasized in Shi Tiesheng's fate. For someone as stubborn by nature as he, I have said that such emphasis is appropriate. I never expected, however, that Shi Tiesheng would slowly come to understand this matter even after turning 40.