Purgatory

Author: Wang Zhongfang
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-10-01
Features: The unprecedented "Cultural Revolution" has been over for many years. How to view this extraordinary history has been discussed extensively. Whether wise or benevolent, everyone agrees that it was a completely unnecessary event, a catastrophe, a nightmare. Yes, when this so-called "Cultural Revolution" surged like muddy waves and swept across all of China, no one knew what was happening, and no one knew why it was happening. How many founding heroes were helpless, even persecuted to death; some famous scholars, unable to see through the situation or unable to cope, took their own lives. However, everything can be understood. The "Cultural Revolution" tempered the Communist Party of China and the Chinese people, prompted the entire Party and the nation to reflect deeply and carry out fundamental reforms, to reshape the image of China and the Communist Party with new perspectives, new ideas, new plans, and new efforts, to welcome the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. I am just an ordinary Communist Party member. My theoretical foundation and thinking ability are not sufficient to write something substantial. As an old Party member who has been a member for over sixty years and is now over eighty, I can only write down my personal experiences and reflections as my own summary, for others to refer to. It is inevitable that memories of the past may not be entirely accurate, and personal reflections may not be entirely appropriate. I have done my best, and that is all. The author spent two thousand days and nights in prison, reading by day and reflecting by night. "Purgatory" is a draft of the author's memories commemorating the 30th anniversary of his release (1967–1972).