Lin Yu-tang comments on seventy years

Author: Zi Tong
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2003-01-01
Features: In literary circles, Lin Yutang was often referred to as "Dr. Lin." Whether revered or ridiculed, the title of "Dr." was genuine. Like Hu Shi, Dr. Hu, both had earned their doctoral caps from prestigious Western universities. When assessing a person, their background is crucial—their educational and cultural background—shaping their entire life's performance, from writing and performing to singing and acting, all deeply intertwined with it. Dr. Lin was no exception. He came from a pastor's family, received his early education in church schools, and later studied in Europe, giving him a heavily Westernized cultural background. No matter how much he loved wearing robes and flat shoes, that Western influence was undeniable. Those who studied in the West often found their cultural identities somewhat mixed; achieving complete Westernization was difficult, so they clung to the inherent culture of their homeland, seeking a balance point at the edges and striving not to fall. They could be seen as victims of cultural collisions between different civilizations, but they could also be regarded as fortunate participants in the meeting of cultures. Those adept at recognizing strengths, like Dr. Lin, realized they could "preach Western culture to the Chinese and Chinese culture to the Westerners," allowing them great flexibility and thus achieving remarkable success. We should not look down upon this; purely from the perspective of survival, Dr. Lin, who lacked a steady salary and benefits, made such choices, which deserve respect. Moreover, if world unity goes beyond mere ideals, the fusion of different cultures truly requires individuals like him. Navigating between two or more sides, connecting them, and transporting one nation's culture to another can create a gradual yet promising trend of widespread cultural exchange, like clouds gathering and rain falling, bringing about great changes.
—Jin Hongda