The virtue of words

Author: Xie Youshun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-05-01
Features: The ailment of our era is the lack of sensibility. The current critical circles fear to admit that they first identify as readers rather than critics. Critics have no sense of the works they analyze, let alone unique insights. They give the impression of being solemn copyists of Western theories, and those who flaunt various degrees without the lower half of their bodies. To be honest, contemporary criticism has lost the respect of most authors and readers. Xie Youshun is one of the few exceptions. His present and future are not associated with the plastic-like impressions given by the term "critic," but rather with his birthplace and the earth. That impoverished and fake land was still without electricity not long ago. In the primal darkness, labor and wisdom were revered like light. From his critical activities, we rediscover criticism—as originally an activity of creators who are both flesh and blood, sensitive, and wise.