Good Chinese children -- artistic genius

Author: Li Xiantang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-15
Features: Throughout the 5,000-year history of China, countless outstanding figures have emerged, their deeds influencing generations of Chinese people. Their names shine like stars, illuminating our path forward and inspiring us to strive. They are the pride of China, the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation! The "Sons and Daughters of China" series: "Strategic Statesmen," "Decisive Generals," "Talented Artists," "Scholarly Writers."
Ancient philosopher Zhuangzi once told a story about the Yellow River overflowing in autumn, its waves surging and stretching as far as the eye could see. The god of the Yellow River, proud of his vast dominion, believed he was the most in the universe. However, when he traveled to the sea and saw the boundless expanse ruled by the sea god, he realized his own narrowness and insignificance. Life is the same. If a person remains confined to their small world, entangled in personal joys and sorrows, failing to associate with outstanding figures of the world or undergo the trials of great endeavors, they will ultimately achieve nothing and wither away in blind arrogance.
You might say, "Reality is too mundane and trivial, I feel lonely, I feel isolated." Then let us go, like a river flowing to the sea, like migratory birds returning to their homeland. Let us head into the wilderness, to the highlands where the roots of our nation’s spirit take hold—the place where figures like the Duke of Zhou, Guan Zhong, Sun Wu, Sun Bin, and also Li Bai, Du Fu, Wang Xizhi, and Wu Daozi lived. These outstanding sons and daughters of the Chinese nation, these towering spirits who transcended the ages, will share with you their extraordinary life stories and the profound truths they discovered. Their clear gazes will dispel the clouds from your heart, and their wise words will stir up the winds and clouds of inspiration.
Perhaps you have long yearned for them but couldn’t find a way to reach their lofty heights. Then, open this small book before you: it will clear away the dust of time for you, revealing the path shown by the solid footsteps of the sages and wise men of the past. As you walk along this path, you will gradually understand what noble and solemn virtue is, what expansive and profound intellect is, and your vision will broaden. Until one day, without realizing it, you reach the pinnacle of life, looking out at boundless scenery, and looking back at the steep cliffs of your past journey. You might exclaim, "How wonderful it is to live a life of continuous striving and progress!" Then, you will remember the small stepping stones you first placed in your blooming spring years.