Thoughts and Musings

Author: Ba Jin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: The Collected Essays of "Random Thoughts" includes thirty essays originally compiled in 1979. Subsequently, one volume was published each year until 1984. Random Thoughts was a byproduct of my translation of Alexander Herzen's Conversations and Reminiscences. I have said that Herzen's "these remarks were not all correct even at the time." As for my "random thoughts," I can say: they are not brilliant. However, they are my genuine thoughts and sincere feelings at the moment. The ancient saying goes, "When a man is on his deathbed, his words are often wise." I once didn’t understand this, but today I greatly appreciate it. I feel I am beginning to approach death, and I am willing to speak the truth to my readers. Random Thoughts is, in fact, a voluntary and honest "report of thoughts." As for the "thought reports" I was forced to write during the era of the "Four Evils," may they go to hell. In the past, I suffered greatly from "just repeating what others say," and that was partly because I refused to think more deeply. Although only "random thoughts" are included here, they are all written after careful consideration, and I take responsibility for them.