Truth Collection: "Random Thoughts" Volume 3

Author: Ba Jin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: The third collection of Random Thoughts, including thirty essays from Random Thoughts. I also gave this collection a name: Truth. In the past two years, I have written several articles advocating for speaking the truth, which has also sparked different discussions. Some doubt whether "speaking the truth" is possible. Others believe that what I call "truth" may not necessarily be true. Still, others say that following the higher-ups or others is speaking the truth. Some, though not saying it openly, hold this view: "He's just venting; don't pay attention to it—let it take its course." I admire the latter view. Indeed, allowing all nonsense to fade away on its own is a clever approach. There's a grassy patch in my yard, and it's often covered with fallen leaves. Sometimes, when a strong wind blows, the large leaves of the camphor trees seem to "fly all over the place." Once the wind stops, none of the leaves are visible—they've all been swept into the dirt. After that, when I stroll on the grass, I forget all about the leaves. I have always acknowledged that humility is a virtue. However, I would never want my articles to be like leaves, swept into the dirt. But the fate of an article cannot be decided by me alone. Readers have their own opinions. If readers dislike them, they will be thrown into the trash long before a strong wind blows. I have repeatedly stated that what I call "speaking the truth" is simply "giving my heart to the readers"—telling what's in my heart, what I believe, and what I have thought about. I have never said, nor do I want to say, that my "truth" is "the truth." I also don't believe that I am always "correct" when I speak or write. On the contrary, over the past, I have made countless mistakes and been deceived in many ways. Others have deceived me, and even my own emotions have deceived me. Naturally, I have told lies. I have had many dreams, both sweet and nightmares, and I have also experienced sleepless nights. Along the long road of life, I have left many footprints. My Collected Works and Selected Works are all my footprints. I cannot wipe away these past traces, and others cannot erase them overnight. My life has not ended—I must continue to move forward. Now, my mind is even clearer than before, and I understand the path I have walked more clearly. Whether it's true or false, right or wrong, it's all in the articles—there's no escaping the blame. I can only leave it to future readers to criticize and condemn. But as long as I have the breath in my lungs, I can still feel, think, and have a sense of right and wrong—I must speak. To prove that people are still alive, I must speak. What should I speak of? Still, the truth. The truth does exist. Speaking the truth is not difficult. I remember Hans Christian Andersen's famous fairy tale, The Emperor's New Clothes. Everyone said, "The emperor's new clothes are truly beautiful." Only a little boy spoke the truth: "He's not wearing any clothes at all." As early as 1837, Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen advocated for speaking the truth.