Artfully cross the dead

Author: Lin Shi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-07-01
Features: The texts collected in this book include reflections or musings on death by well-known Chinese and foreign writers and philosophers, such as Victor Hugo, Francis Bacon, Lu Xun, and Ba Jin. Although most of the included pieces are short essays or, the writing is profound and evocative, enough to inspire readers to delve into their own hearts. Life and death, birth and aging—throughout history, none are exempt. Ancient poets once lamented, "Life is a fleeting journey, like dust in the wind." At first glance, this seems no different from other species. However, upon closer examination, there are still significant differences. The difference lies in the fact that humans are thinking beings. Other species are not only ignorant of their own birth, death, and suffering but also indifferent to it, whereas humans must ask a question—what is the reason, what is the purpose. Why do we live? What is the meaning of life? Or perhaps, what is the ultimate meaning of life? This may be an eternal mystery. All species remain oblivious to it and have no intention of seeking answers. Only humans have continuously pursued the answer to this ever-unanswerable question throughout history. This pursuit is precisely what sets humans apart from beasts—the "sliver" of difference.