Bì Shūmǐn Quotes

Author: Bi Shushmin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: This collection, "Bi Shushmin's Quotations" published by Zhongqing Press, is metaphorically described by the author as her "blood plasma of writing"—the substance that continuously supports herself and others. This anthology gathers the "rhythms" the author beats for herself during her long journey through the night—the strength, essence, timely and perfectly fitting insights. The ten sections, "Comprehension," "Expression," "Gratitude," "Regret," "Reflection," "Recognition," "Listening," "Discussion," "Conversation," and "Contemplation," reveal the author's journey of self-awareness, self-exploration, exploring life, and accumulating experiences, as well as her valuable spirit of introspection. "Life is simply an existence moving toward death," can be seen as the logical starting point and premise of the author's rational thinking. It is precisely because of her acceptance and rationality in the face of life's inevitable demise that she is able to distill from the complexities of life the maxims that validate her life philosophy: "Life itself is a neutral existence. It is a blank canvas that can be painted with pain as well as splashed with joy." Death is the highest philosophical proposition. Bi Shushmin has completed her individual reflection on this highest philosophical proposition and has begun to construct her neutral life philosophy. Death is inevitable and not meant to be avoided; it is meant to constitute life, being the final stage of growth. This is not a pessimistic stance but a belief in the infinite possibilities of existence within a finite life. Thus, in the face of life as a blank canvas, Bi Shushmin has painted for herself and her readers a life world that is composed of acceptance, kindness, rationality, dignity, and value. From life, human existence, to concrete living and personal happiness, from family love to both small and great love, from physical existence to a healthy mind, as well as diet, romance, the natural world, urban landscapes, human nature, ancient sayings and modern words, and even the author's reflections on her creative experiences—all are imbued with the essence of the author's insights and thoughts. The author's reflections are both broad and profound. And in every drop of these reflections, there shines through her spirit of care: "I wish to hold your hand with my book. Firmly. Tight." As the author has strictly examined herself: "When I stand alone before the mirror, I scrutinize my eyes. Do they still retain the innocence and kindness of a child? Do they still hold the sharpness and vitality of a teenager? After enduring the vicissitudes of life, do they still yearn for the truth, goodness, and beauty of the world? In the face of the storms and winds of the future, do they still remain full of courage and hope?" What we read is also the world that this eye yearns for. It is the soliloquy of a heart that seeks truth. As Wang Meng said, Bi Shushmin is "too normal, too kind, and even too obedient," she has "a mission to heal and save, a grand aspiration to save all beings, the patience to speak earnestly, a well-organized set of rules, and a clear and pure medical heart," she has "a way of transforming care, passion, and compassion into calm prescriptions, integrating morality, literature, and science into a unified mindset, writing style, and behavior." To encounter someone who is willing to grasp your hand with a book is the readers' happiness. Even if only one sentence in a book is useful to you, or if a book is useful only to one person, or if only one sentence in a book is useful to one person, then that book is invaluable. Moreover, in today's world, a book is not often read with the expectation of being useful. Therefore, when reading "Bi Shushmin's Quotations," do not expect anything certain, nor abandon anything accidental. Thus, "to meet a sentence in your life," is a blessing I offer to this book and to those who encounter it. Finally, may you gather much. [Editor's Recommendation] I love literature that is powerful because life is filled with moments of loneliness and helplessness. Perhaps we should all take time to leave some words when we are strong, to review them when we are weak, to supplement our bones with calcium, and to stand straight. In moments of joy, we should also leave some words, wrapping fragments of laughter, to read them again when we are sad, and our mouths will unconsciously turn up in a smile, and happiness will once again take root!