Human Words

Author: Wang Guowei
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-09-01
Features: There are "states with self" and "states without self." [The tearful eyes ask the flowers, but they remain silent; scattered red petals fly past the swing.][Enduring the spring cold in a lonely pavilion, the cuckoo's cries blend with the setting sun. This is a state with self.][Picking chrysanthemums under the eastern fence, I leisurely see the southern mountain.][The calm waves rise gently, white birds descend slowly. This is a state without self.][The red peach blossoms at the branch tip reveal the spring mood], with the single character [chaos], the entire realm is revealed. [The clouds break, the moon comes, flowers play with shadows], with the single character [play], the realm is fully expressed. In literary criticism, one must be able to appreciate and transcend. One must be in the situation to know the sweetness and bitterness; yet one must be outside the situation to have impartial judgment. This book discusses the cultivation of poets, believing that "entering into their inner world allows one to write about it; stepping outside allows one to observe it." I also hold the same view on literary criticism. Though there have been many discussions on poetry, few can combine both excellence. This is the true value of Human Words. The insights in this book are full of profound reflections on the sweetness and bitterness of the heart, something only those with vast knowledge can articulate. Readers should savor it deeply, not dismiss it lightly. In fact, the hints in the book, if expanded, could form a vast and magnificent work, though its charm might diminish. Pearls and jade feathers are everywhere, all treasures; yet arranging them into a seven-jeweled pavilion adds unnecessary appendages. This is why diary notes and short essays are cherished—not because masterpieces have emerged, but because they remain.
The author discusses Ci poetry by highlighting the concept of "realm," further distinguishing between " realms that are separated" and "realms that are not separated." He also claims that the Southern Song Dynasty was inferior to the Northern Song, with only Xin You'an being its equal. All such evaluations and judgments are fair and exquisite, perfectly balanced, without any excess. I once thought of elaborating on these ideas, but feared defiling the sacred, so I never did. Now, the friends of the Pu Society have reprinted this book, and I have appended this short preface to introduce it to readers.