Rays of sunlight and moonlight are equally brilliant (Footprints of Fudan Writers)

Author: Liang Yong'an, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Looking back at the historical path of Fudan University, literature has been an unextinguished torch. To commemorate the centennial anniversary of Fudan University and celebrate this unforgettable literary journey, two anthologies, Mountains of Learning, Radiant Writings—Selected Works of Fudan Writers and Sun and Moon Shine Together—Footprints of Fudan Writers, have been compiled. "Fudan Writers" include both graduates of Fudan and former faculty members of the university. The texts collected are generally arranged according to the historical flow of Fudan's literary legacy. These two anthologies can only encompass a part of Fudan's literature. When we reread the words of these Fudan people and recall their arduous struggles, we are filled with deep emotions. Some of these writers were my mentors, who once imparted unforgettable teachings to me. I remember in 1981, the Chinese Department held a calligraphy exhibition, and the student union sent me to ask Professor Zhu Dongrun to write a piece for the exhibition. As soon as I entered Professor Zhu's home, I saw him carrying a large teapot and briskly descending the stairs, looking nothing like an eighty-five-year-old. I explained my purpose, and he readily agreed without hesitation, asking when I would come to collect the work. I said the exhibition was opening tomorrow and wanted to take it back today. Professor Zhu's expression instantly darkened, and he said sternly, "It seems you haven't learned Chinese culture well enough to understand etiquette. This is a matter of respect, and you should have come a week in advance at the very least. While writing a calligraphy piece is quick, I could give it to you now, but that doesn't align with the principles of Chinese culture. Well, since you came in such a hurry, you can pick it up in three days." Hearing this, I felt both ashamed and grateful and thanked Professor Zhu profusely. My master's thesis advisor, Pan Xulan, and my doctoral thesis advisor, Jia Zhifang, both unleashed tremendous creative passion in their later years, publishing influential cultural essays such as On the Taiping Rebellion and Inside and Outside the Prison, as students, we were deeply inspired by their cultural integrity and literary spirit. Such education can only be obtained by coming to Fudan and being surrounded by these mentors. It is precisely because of the relentless efforts of these Fudan writers that we can say: Fudan is truly worthy of its place in China's century-old literature!