Water Flows, Flowers Are Still: A Dialogue Between Science and Poetry

Author: Tong Yuanfang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: From the book, we can see the author's experiences abroad and their immersion in the Chinese community, as well as the fusion between the scientific external world and the poetic inner universe. Overseas Chinese scholars stand at the intersection of Eastern and Western cultures, serving as both disseminators of Chinese culture and guides to Western culture. This unique group not only changed the course of modern Chinese history but, more importantly, they altered the perspectives of Chinese people. The elegant and fresh travel notes document a journey from Hong Kong to the United States, from the United States to the United Kingdom, and from the United Kingdom to France—a long and arduous quest for knowledge. The flowing and interwoven narrative style delves into the inner worlds of renowned scholars: the youthful and rebellious Einstein, the romantic and poetic Maxwell, the erudite Yang Zhenning, and the amiable elder Fei Xiaotong, exploring the possibilities of dialogue between science and poetry. The book begins in spring and concludes in spring, reflecting a joyful tone and resonating with the song of my own life. Amidst the clear and radiant sky, the two great figures I often write about—Maxwell and Einstein—stand out. Maxwell expresses his thoughts through equations and his emotions through poetry. Meanwhile, Einstein, in his youth and old age, embodies two contrasting images: the wild and the wise. I trace the words and actions of these two great scientists, from Hong Kong to the United States, and from the United Kingdom to France. With a journey of endless pursuit and exploration, I weave a narrative that is both descriptive and reflective.