"Year after year, a bed of books: Scientific and cultural reading in the mortal world

Author: Jiang Xiaoyuan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: Reading is one of the most delightful things in my life. In the noisy mortal world, I read when I am happy, read when I am frustrated, and read when I am wronged. I always feel that sitting at home with a good book in hand and a cup of hot tea beside me, immersing myself in the book and forgetting troubles, far from the mortal world, is the greatest enjoyment in my life, the most comfortable and happy life. Therefore, it is okay not to eat for a day, but not okay not to read for a day. When I go on a business trip, there must be a thick book in my suitcase—even if it means bringing fewer clothes.
Author's Preface: "A Bed of Books Year After Year" Preface by Jiang Xiaoyuan
Thirty years ago, during the late Cultural Revolution, I was a spiritually lost "classical literature enthusiast." During the day, I worked as an electrician in a textile factory, and after work, I immersed myself in Chinese classical literature to escape reality. At that time, while reading Lu Zhaoren's "Ancient Air of Chang'an," I was particularly struck by these lines:
"In silence, Yang Xiong dwells alone,
Year after year, a bed of books his home.
Only the southern mountains' osmanthus blooms,
Flitting and fluttering, it brushes his robes."
I loved the imagery and recited these lines endlessly. Although later generations often criticized Yang Xiong, these four lines by Lu Zhaoren truly represent the ideal realm of a reader. However, although I was spiritually lost back then, I was not as restless and ambitious as I am today—time then was almost meaningless, so I could not appreciate the preciousness of Lu Zhaoren's poetic realm as I do now. Today, everyone knows that the world is restless and competitive, yet almost everyone feels helpless, and I am no exception. I can only keep this as my goal and encourage myself.
There is an old saying: "With books, one is truly wealthy; with nothing to do, one is a small immortal." This is also what I aspire to, but now it seems unattainable—books are plenty, but tasks are endless. The more tasks there are, the less time I have to read, and the farther I am from the "immortal" state. I remember that during the Southern Dynasties, people defined a "scholar" as someone who "has nothing to do, often drinks wine, and thoroughly reads Li Sao." Today, there are indeed many who call themselves scholars, but they probably still drink wine daily, yet rarely read Li Sao.
Reading—excluding reading manuals or vocational training materials—requires leisure. Some say, "Technology is born of busyness, culture of leisure." This idea and expression are excellent, but "technology" should be changed to "skills," as science and technology are fundamentally different. True science, like culture, can only emerge from leisure. To pursue science and culture requires sacrifice—often spending time and money. Without investing time and money, science and culture will not fall from the sky.
Nowadays, there are countless good books, but leisure is hard to come by. We cannot wait for an "age of leisure" to arrive—we must fight for and strive for leisure now, at least to "find time in the midst of busyness." The old saying "To steal half a day's leisure from life" shows that such struggles and efforts were already needed in ancient times. For those who no longer worry about food and clothing today, we can advise: "No matter how poor, buy books; no matter how busy, read." Because when we are lost in material desires, reading helps us rediscover our spiritual home; when we are tormented by worldly affairs, reading helps us return to peace.
The books reviewed and introduced in this collection are those I have read in the past three years. They are all books I believe are valuable, worth recommending or introducing, or at least worth attention (including books I have criticized). Otherwise, I would not have written the reviews. Most of the articles in this collection were originally published in newspapers and magazines such as China Reading News, China Book Business News, Southern Weekly, Guangming Daily, Science Times, Wenhuibao, Wenjiang Reading Weekly, Reading, Shuke, and Wenjing. A few were academic articles published in academic journals. The versions here are the original drafts. Some articles have some overlapping content, but I have not edited them to preserve their authenticity. Readers are asked to forgive this.
Most of the articles in this collection were written on request from editors. Naturally, friends from publishing houses will try to influence editors to promote books from their own presses, but editors have their own perspectives and standards when selecting books to review. What pleases me is that the editors of the aforementioned newspapers and magazines never forced me to write reviews for books I disliked. Have friends from publishing houses directly asked me to write reviews? I admit it has happened, but they never forced me to do so. In fact, whether it is publishing houses, newspapers, or magazines, their outstanding professionals naturally know which books people like. Based on this, they can easily invite authors to contribute, sparking their creativity.
Since I am writing on request, I must also read on request. If time permits, I am not unwilling to take on such commissioned work, as it motivates me to read. Whenever books arrive from newspapers, magazines, or publishing houses—delivered by express mail—they remind me of Lu Zhaoren's poem and that old saying. Then, I have no choice but to make time to read. After reading, I must think and discuss. Those lovely editors often discuss these books with me over the phone—often from Beijing—and send "gentle reminders" via email. All of this occasionally causes me slight frustration, but in the end, I sincerely thank these editors. Think about it: if someone constantly encourages you to read and write, why wouldn't you be grateful?