Lao She's Autobiography

Author: Lao She
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-10-01
Features: I think: A writer who can overcome the arrogant superiority of intellectuals and sincerely learn from the people; discard the materialistic mentality of the bourgeoisie and wholeheartedly serve the people; and diligently study politics to reform oneself may gradually progress and write some decent works. — Lao She
For any literary biographer, the most valuable material is the autobiographical writings left by the subject, even if they are just a few words. Therefore, any private writings, such as the subject's letters, especially diaries, are highly sought after by biographers, often considered treasures. At the same time, for readers who are keen on reading biographies, especially those with literary archaeology interests, excessive autobiographical writings can be overwhelming. Once filtered through a biographer, they feel like scratching an itch through a coat, especially when an unqualified biographer writes about a mediocre subject. — Fu Guangming
I was born at the evening time of the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, when all the people in Beijing, including the emperor and the civil and military ministers, were celebrating the farewell of the Kitchen God to the heavens! The Kitchen God had ascended to the heavens, but I had landed on the earth. That was the famous Guangxu year! When I was born, my father was on duty in some corner of the imperial city. It is an ancient custom that men do not worship the moon, and women do not sacrifice to the Kitchen God. My aunt was a widow, my mother and my second sister were also women. Although I was a man, I was not yet qualified for such duties.