Collected Works of Zhi Tang

Author: Zhou Zuoren
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-01-01
Features: What is intended to be presented here is less "things of the past" and more "things left behind," reflecting the author's self-awareness at this time. This is also the greatest value of the book. The selection is very broad, taking into account both literary and ideological factors. In terms of style, it includes poetry, essays, and miscellaneous writings, covering almost all forms previously adopted, except for long essays. The book includes: "Zhitang's Sayings," "The Past Life," "Progress in a Year," "My Experience in Learning Chinese Literature," "Victory," "Silence," "The Great Chase for the Wind," "On Reading at Home," etc. The significance of Zhitang needs separate discussion, and it is not elaborated upon here. What I fear is the ability to speak but not to act. After all, what do I really know? Are there any words I have said that are correct? I am still not very clear about it. To be frank, my knowledge of natural sciences is very limited, perhaps only at the secondary school level. Regarding humanities, I have also only dabbled superficially, without systematic research in any department. Since my desire for knowledge is not very deep, I cannot become a scholar, and my desire for truth is even shallower, making me unworthy of becoming a believer. I have great admiration for belief, regardless of its sect or school, but I find it extremely difficult to become a believer. Perhaps it is because I lack this innate blessing. After briefly considering the issue of women, I feel that socialism is the only way out in this world. At the same time, under the pressure of the concept of heredity, I often fear the return of ghosts. These thoughts are somewhat mystical, and I still don't know how to deal with them. However, in summary, I do not want to lie. In these articles, I always strive to speak the truth, but since they are written as articles, speaking the truth does not necessarily mean being entirely honest. Honest friends may inevitably misunderstand some parts? That is because the writing is a bit awkward, I believe. The meaning is originally easy to understand. Some may find it strange, wondering why I say these things and not those things. The reason is that I only understand this matter and not the other, so it is not good to speak arrogantly. The words I say are sometimes clear, sometimes dark, sometimes crooked, and sometimes elegant, seemingly very inconsistent. But what is the same is that they are the truths I know, and I can guarantee that. On February 20, 1933, Zhou Zuoren, in Beijing.