Yiyuan Conglu

Author: Li Zhuangying
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-09-01
Features: The notes and reflections recorded in this book were written during my reading, as I had no intention of publishing them. Therefore, not only is there no order in the chapters of the book, but each entry also lacks the format and dignity of an "article." However, this is not necessarily a flaw. Just as a person lives comfortably in their own home, wearing rough clothes and disheveled hair, without any pretense, everything is guided by self-contentment. Although it may seem messy, it saves the trouble of dressing up and presenting oneself to others, shedding the pretense and restraint of social interactions. As a result, it is more authentic than their "public image." The ancients said, "The highest form of writing is like home letters." Writing home letters does not require wearing formal attire or carefully crafting words. You can say whatever you want, as the saying goes, "Speak horizontally or vertically, as the heart desires." In this sense, it can even be called the most refined writing in the world. Notes are like home letters—they are written for oneself to read, at most shared with a few peers for advice. Therefore, although they may be disorganized, they avoid the flaw of being overly verbose or lacking substance. More importantly, because there was no intention of publishing them, the writing was free from the need to cater to trends. The author could freely express their inner thoughts, allowing "everything to flow from the heart," being true to what they believed and not what others expected. Thus, many insincere opinions and empty talk were avoided. Of course, self-contentment does not mean unrestrained. Although notes are not written for publication and do not target a specific audience, they still represent a form of dialogue. However, it is not a dialogue with others but with oneself. In reality, even grand theories aimed at the public are first products of dialogue with oneself. Because to gain others' approval, one must first convince themselves. The way of learning has no other secret—it is to be honest with oneself. Therefore, whenever I have insights from reading, I pick up the pen and write, even at midnight alone by the dim lamp, I always feel as if there are bright eyes beside me. These eyes are actually my academic conscience. They are stern in condemning all superficiality, as strict as an axe. From my experience, this is the true meaning of the ancients' saying, "To refine words, stand firm in sincerity." Precisely because of this, the writings in this collection, though guided by the heart, are not reckless. Each entry, whether long or short, strives to be logical and well-founded, avoiding vague and unsubstantiated claims. However, due to the author's limited knowledge and shallow understanding, like a small ladle measuring the ocean or a tiny mouse drinking from a river, there are inevitably omissions when examining meanings or selecting materials. It is not that I do not try, but that I cannot. I only hope that experts will kindly review this work and offer their guidance.