Essential Writings--Intellect: Essential Writings

Author: Jia Pingwa
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2002-10-01
Features: About "Paper Ecology"
"Paper Ecology" first refers to a reading perspective, proposed in response to the act of writing. Buying a book is different from buying a cup; we don’t wait for a cup to tell us what it is. When reading, "the self" is lent to "the other"; in reading, the book becomes a series of words, images, and ideas; in reading, "I" is invaded by another person, contemplating the thoughts the other imposes on me, and feeling the emotions the other evokes in me. "Paper Ecology" advocates a clear-eyed reading, where all "lending" and "invading" should leave the reader awake. Because the pursuit of wisdom never lies in books but within ourselves.
Secondly, "Paper Ecology" refers to a writing perspective, proposed in response to the phenomenon of publishing. The ancients valued oral tradition, so Socrates, Christ, Buddha, and Confucius left no written works, hoping their thoughts would live on in their disciples’ minds. The appearance of books changed the meaning of writing. Writing was no longer just a technique for recording, but became a complex and independent act with its own history and will. Today, mass commercial publishing has again altered writing, making this act dubious and ambiguous. Beyond the ancient meanings of confiding or fulfilling a mission, writing now often refers to entertainment, games, or peddling. "Paper Ecology" promotes a measured writing, where every writer should re-examine their desires, needs, and motivations in each act of writing. Because publishing has not only transformed the world but also every writer and every act of writing.
Finally, "Paper Ecology" refers to a publishing perspective, proposed in response to the purpose of reading. Initially, the Eastern papermaking technique took over 700 years to spread to the West. Yet today, the internet swept across the East from the West overnight, like a storm. The internet is changing people’s reading habits, altering the civilization derived from paper, and reshaping the modern publishing industry built on paper. "Paper Ecology" calls for cautious publishing, using this act to strive to maintain the ecological environment of reading. Because this is the only way "Paper Ecology" can survive in the electronic age. "Paper Ecology" is the name of this book series and also the foundation of our endeavor.