Experts Talk Fun

Author: Tang Dabin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-06-01
Features: Fun, entertainment is the essence. Recently, this word has become particularly trendy. "Playing with literature," "playing with art," "playing with companies," "playing with technology," "playing with theory," "playing with football," "playing with mahjong," "it's all about the thrill" and so on. The word "play" is imbued with a rich meaning—casual, not serious, not, effortless, bringing joy to life, adding color to the mundane, and increasing some fun. In fact, those who are good at "playing" mostly come from a carefree relaxation, facing life's various challenges with a calm and composed attitude, showing that I am very carefree. To dare to honestly tell others that I am "playing" while everything goes smoothly is a kind of sincerity in dealing with the world, requiring the courage not to fear ridicule. And those who bring the joy of "playing" to others are a kind of kindness that thinks of others. Famous people are like this. They elevate the emotion of "playing" to a higher level. Not only do they find joy for themselves, but they also record their feelings of pursuing spiritual pleasure. It makes you feel that they play with genuine and open-heartedness, and also makes you feel the immense value of "playing." When you open up article after article by famous people talking about "playing," you can appreciate how they transform the monotony of life into something interesting, vivid, and beautiful. For example, kite flying. "It is an interesting thing. In life, confined to a small circle, probably no one doesn't want to fly away for a while. Going out for a trip is not always possible. When flying a kite, holding a string in your hand, watching the kite rise slowly, then hover high in the sky, at this moment, it seems as if you are flying with the kite, overlooking the mortal world with contentment. I think this may be a kind of self-satisfaction that comes from the desire to fly but being unable to do so." For example, playing mahjong. "A Chinese person feels stifled, two Chinese people are easy to negotiate, three Chinese people can't get anything done, four Chinese people, play mahjong. Four people gather together, it's a natural fit, what else can you do but play mahjong?" "Mahjong's self-pleasure lies in quick thinking and swift actions. At the same time, you must wield five strings while sending flying arrows, as if commanding troops with a smile." For example, playing chess. "A gentleman has no disputes, but playing chess requires competition. When you give your opponent a serious threat, their veins stand out, tiny sweat beads appear on their forehead, or they wear a mournful smile, or pout as if eating excrement, or scratch their heads, or shout, or sigh deeply, or blame themselves, murmuring words, or hiccup endlessly, or turn red-faced like Guan Yu. There are countless such phenomena. At this moment, if you have "more than enough strength," you can light a cigarette or sip a bowl of tea and quietly enjoy the symbol of your opponent's frustration." For example, fishing. "A blade of grass, a leaf of duckweed, a small bubble, a cluster of small waves, or even the faint tremor of shadows in the water, I see beauty and feel infinite joy. I almost forget that I am fishing."