Wang Guowei's "Human Words" and "Human Words Talks" manuscripts

Author: Wang Guowei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: A Treatise on Poetic Language is a major work, though brief; A World of Lyrics "opens new realms for lyric poetry," though the works are few. Compared to the verbose and heavily cited works of experts, the former is a concise and accessible book by a knowledgeable individual. Compared to the derivative style of those who follow the footsteps of Dongguan, the latter is the poetic expression of a philosopher who focuses on the heart and mind. A knowledgeable individual has a broad mind and an open approach. Their learning is comprehensive and integrated, allowing them to reveal the essence of things. Their strength is sufficient to set trends and break through confusion. A philosopher is close to ideals, in harmony with nature, freeing their will from worldly constraints, and seeking the promotion of truth. Their inward and outward reflections, their pursuit of the past and lamentation for the present, may be unknown to the ignorant. Whether a knowledgeable individual or a philosopher, they may be one or a few in a generation, or one or a few across generations. Jing'an embodies both, and their path is consistent. Thus, in his later years, he wrote: "A great poet, a great scholar, a greater philosopher. The light of the four reflections illuminates the heart. Who would say that these subtle words are confined to this day? A filial son to his family, a loyal minister to his country, a pioneer for the world. A deep sorrow for those who understood him, wanting the world to mourn his passing."