21st Century: Lu Xun and Us

Author: Yitu and others
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-03-01
Features:
Lu Xun is an unavoidable presence for Chinese people in the 21st century, and no one can overlook him. Whether it is due to the distance of time, the difficult yet expansive space in the past two decades, the inherent tension of Lu Xun's thought, or the transformation of public perception systems, it is undeniable that discussions about Lu Xun are quietly yet profoundly reshaping habitual modes of expression, fostering a new thought-language exchange. The contemplation of constructing Chinese culture is often intertwined with the interpretation of Lu Xun. In the past, nearly all modern intellectuals have left their own words on Lu Xun. As the new century dawns, new discussions on Lu Xun have become increasingly diverse, personalized, and folk-oriented, even becoming a striking landscape in the realm of intellectual and cultural discourse. Any form of dogmatism may lead to unintended consequences, diverting us astray. Therefore, the tolerance of intellectual scholarship is not only a mark of a thinker's demeanor but also a norm that scholars should adhere to. The articulation of thought and the pursuit of academic inquiry should be equal and free. Naturally, one may choose to ignore sensationalist clamor or provocative rhetoric, but we believe that all genuine, self-driven thinking, regardless of its depth, breadth, or correctness, is a step closer to understanding Lu Xun and discovering him. Moreover, such thinking generates the spiritual life of contemporary people, coexists harmoniously, and participates in cultural construction—this is what truly matters.
As editors, we are powerless to create a spiritual climate out of thin air, nor do we intend to lean toward any particular viewpoint. However, we have a responsibility to clear the channels for the flow of diverse intellectual waters through our labor, ensuring they flow freely. Thus, this academic, The 21st Century: Lu Xun and Us, emerges from the pens of scholars from various backgrounds, presenting a spectrum of opinions and styles. We seek a free dialogue and communication—between us and Lu Xun, between authors and authors, and between authors and readers.
The stars are brilliant, the expanse boundless. For now, we are unable to invite more esteemed thinkers and independent readers, and can only hope for the future. This is but a beginning. Let us consider this book an invitation or an aspiration, and through it, we hope to record and anticipate an era.