Rationality Illuminates China

Author: Ning Xiangdong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Actually, for China today, the most pressing matter is not criticism but construction; not stirring up the pot but rationality. The purpose of criticism is to awaken our social conscience and prompt our government to act justly. However, after we have indulged in vigorous criticism, when we quiet down, we may realize that the more fundamental dilemma lies in our inability to easily find a way to take responsibility for history. This collection mainly gathers the author's essays and short writings from 2005, with a few selected from previous works. To make the collection more appealing, some pictures have been included, accompanied by brief remarks to more clearly express the author's thoughts. Walking through 40 years is an extremely difficult thing. Although many people see us as the "chosen ones" with learning and living conditions, this is merely a superficial appearance. In a rapidly changing and turbulent era, 40 years is actually a process filled with unrealistic ideals, blind exploration, learning through lessons and reflections, and a winding path. Whether this road leads to one's true ideals, the author does not know. Please note that the author uses the term "true ideals" here. The author's 40 years of life experience tell him: we often become "possessed by external things," though we strive, we are not fulfilled. The so-called "fulfillment" we feel is actually toil and numbness. The most important thing in life is to constantly inspire joy in one's heart. But in a changing society, this is often very difficult to achieve.