Lao She's Autobiography

Author: Lao She
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-10-01
Features: I think: A writer who can overcome the arrogant superiority of intellectuals and sincerely learn from the people; discard the materialistic mindset of the bourgeoisie and wholeheartedly serve the people; and diligently study politics to reform oneself may gradually progress and write some decent works. — Lao She
For any literary biographer, the most precious material is the autobiographical writings left by the subject themselves, even if they are just a few words. Therefore, any private writings, such as the subject's letters, especially diaries, are highly sought after by biographers, often regarded as treasures. At the same time, for readers who are keen on reading biographies, especially those with literary archaeological interests, excessive autobiographical writings can be overwhelming. Once the biographer rehandles the material, it feels like scratching an itch through a thick coat, especially when an unqualified biographer writes about a mediocre subject. — Fu Guangming
I was born at the evening of the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, the moment when all the people in Beijing, including the emperor and the civil and military officials, were bidding farewell to the Kitchen God ascending to heaven! The Kitchen God had ascended, but I had landed. It was the famous Guangxu Year! When I was born, my father was on duty in some corner of the imperial city. It is an ancient custom that men do not worship the moon, and women do not sacrifice to the Kitchen God. My aunt was a widow, my mother and my second sister were also women, and although I was a man, I was not yet ready for such a task.