Mirror of Rococo

Author: Ma Zhencheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: Some say the world is a stage and life is a play. Others say the world is a mirror, and everyone sees themselves in it. People constantly perform in the world, and the reflections in the mirror constantly change. Today is said to be an era that values individuality, so everyone fears being like others. As a result, some people go to great lengths to stand out; yet they also fear not being like others, so others follow the standards of fashion to change themselves. In reality, these concerns are unnecessary. If you don’t believe me, find me a person who is not like themselves, or two people who look, act, and share the same personality, experiences, and circumstances. Thus, you are unique, he is unique, and everyone is unique; it is impossible to be anything but unique. Each person’s story is different, and even for the same people and events, perspectives vary. The mirror seeks and expresses its own value and aesthetics in the ever-changing reflections. Moreover, it reflects the "rococo that only looks pleasing when taken to absurd extremes" (as described by Hugo). This is the essence of the universe and the world—there is nothing absolutely the same, and nothing absolutely different. Between these two extremes lies boundless space, filled with countless stories. This little book attempts to explore the differences within the similarities and the similarities within the differences.