Little Books for Everyone -- On Enjoyment by the Masses and the Elite

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Features: "Small Books for Everyone" is a playful name. This term "everyone" has two meanings: First, the author of the book is an expert; second, the book is written for everyone, serving as reading material for all. The term "small book" simply refers to its length, as it is relatively brief. However, in terms of academic depth, it is not light but rather quite substantial. In reality, the size of a book is also relative. A 100,000-word book may seem small in today's printing conditions, but in the era of Laozi and Confucius, would it still be considered small?
One purpose of editing this series is to save readers' time, allowing them to gain more knowledge in a shorter period. In the age of information overload, there is too much to learn. Supplementary reading has become a frequent necessity. If one is not good at supplementing knowledge, grabbing a little here and a little there, patching up one thing today and another tomorrow, the results may not be as effective. If reading is treated like taking medicine, one may also lose the () and joy that should come with reading. Each book in this series is concise, so even if readers read it carefully and savor it slowly, it won’t take much time, allowing them to fully enjoy the pleasure of reading. If they choose to treat it as medicine, it is small in dosage, easy to take, and easy to digest.
Another purpose is to contribute to cultural accumulation. We have collected works that have stood the test of time and are recognized by readers, ensuring they are not lost. Some books were once bestsellers but are now hard to find; others may not have garnered much attention at the time but have proven their value over time. Both types of books need to be rediscovered and brought back into the light. Books on science and technology focus on practicality, and once outdated, they attract few readers—except for those studying the history of science and technology. In contrast, the humanities are different; many books remain fresh and relevant with repeated readings.
However, this series is not limited to reprints of old books. We also want to invite renowned scholars to write new small books that combine academic rigor with accessibility to meet the growing needs of readers. The format of "Small Books for Everyone" is compact, and readers can tuck them into their pockets and read a few pages anytime, anywhere. Waiting by the roadside, queuing for theater tickets, traveling, or lounging in the park—these are all opportunities to read. With more readers engaging in such activities, society will be enriched with cultural vibrancy and a learning atmosphere. Isn’t that a good thing?