Water Flows, Flowers Are Still · A Dialogue Between Science and Poetry

Author: Tong Yuanfang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: From the book, we can see the author's experiences abroad and their immersion in the Chinese community, as well as the fusion between the scientific external world and the poetic inner universe. Overseas Chinese scholars stand at the critical point of Sino-Western cultures, serving as both disseminators of Chinese culture and guides for Western culture. This unique group not only changed modern Chinese history but, more importantly, they changed the perspectives of Chinese people. The elegant and fresh travel notes record a journey from Hong Kong to the United States, from the United States to the United Kingdom, and from the United Kingdom to France—a long pursuit and exploration. The flowing and interwoven narrative analyzes the inner world of renowned scholars: the youthful and rebellious Einstein, the romantic and poetic Maxwell, the deeply cultured Yang Zhenning, and the kind elder Fei Xiaotong, contemplating the possibilities of dialogue between science and poetry. The book begins in spring and ends in spring, reflecting a joyful tone and echoing the song of my own life. Amidst the clear and shimmering threads of the sky, the two great figures I often write about are Maxwell and Einstein. Maxwell expresses his thoughts through equations and his emotions through poetry. While Einstein, in his youth and old age, portrays two contrasting images—wild and wise. I pursue the words and actions of these two great scientists, from Hong Kong to the United States, and then from the United Kingdom to France. With a long pursuit and exploration, I describe the journey in a flowing and interwoven narrative.