Thought Language (Graphic Version)

Author: Ma Changshan
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-09-01
Features: In traditional Chinese culture, aphorisms always imply admonition, encouragement, and education; whereas in Western culture, sayings and aphorisms (Saying, Aphorism) emphasize brevity, conciseness, and sometimes a touch of wit. Ma Changshan's aphorisms blend the characteristics of both Eastern and Western cultures, making them feel both weighty yet light, filled with awe yet a gentle smile. Stress, busyness, fatigue, and boredom are the shadows of life for many modern people; loneliness, melancholy, emptiness, and boredom have become the civilized diseases of contemporary society. Life is so monotonous, the spirit so arid—how can the body and mind remain healthy in such a state? Experts advise us to care more about life and maintain optimism and laughter, as this can enhance immunity and lead to a long life. Among the simplest and most effective methods is to watch comedies and engage with art. Engaging with art requires a high cost and a sharp intellect, making it difficult to enter. In contrast, reading literary works seems to offer a better return on investment. However, classic literature is often cold and rigid, making it difficult for ordinary people to digest; martial arts romance is too hot and soft, and reading too much of it can lead to confusion, anger, and unrealistic fantasies. I have long been on the lookout for a book that can add a touch of color to monotonous life and provide sustenance for a dry spirit. Moreover, it must be light, thin, short, and small to appeal to modern readers. It must also be witty, humorous, vivid, and enduring, so that modern people will readily embrace it. Additionally, it must be suitable for all ages and tastes, only then will it have appeal and marketability. Where can such a book be found? Don't hurry—this one right here! This book, Thoughts and Whispers, in terms of its content, resembles the One Hundred Parables, inspiring reflection; it resembles the Shadow of a Silent Dream, revealing wisdom; it resembles Ming Dynasty prose, profound yet distant; it resembles an almanac, unforgettable. It is also like a fable, with deeper meanings beyond the surface; like a legal case, full of sharp insights; like an aphorism, concise yet meaningful; like a humorous anecdote, brimming with wit. In terms of rhetorical techniques, it extensively uses palindromes, parallelism, anadiplosis, and gradation. In language use, it everywhere reflects the style of "approaching solemnity through humor and revealing truth through irony." Its perspective seeks the unconventional and creative, making the articles extraordinary and beyond ordinary. During the Ming Dynasty, Cao Chen wrote the book The Treasury of Eloquence, which can be considered the epitome of discourse, including all forms of speech—gentle, direct, resentful, famous, witty, solemn, cruel, sarcastic, perilous, playful, as well as encouraging and poignant words—all of which are exemplified. Even abusive, ironic, dangerous, or humorous words, as well as motivational and heartfelt expressions, are well represented. Upon examining the chapters of Thoughts and Whispers, they are as rich and varied as the Treasury of Eloquence and can even shine alongside it. In short, its charm is like drinking water—warm or cool, one knows best. Readers may as well take a sip for themselves. The author, Mr. Ma Changshan, is the bookstore manager of the China Social Sciences Press. Five years ago, through the introduction of Professor Wang Junyi, we have long been acquainted in spirit. I know that he often utilizes his spare time for writing, and though his efforts are like scattered fragments of jade, they have been greatly appreciated by readers. Now, he has collected these fragments into a complete work, which is about to be published. He asked me to write a preface, and thus I have recorded my post-reading reflections as above.
Preface by Zhang Gaoping
Department of Chinese, National Cheng Kung University
October 20, 1999