New Century Dream

Author: Li Zehou
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1998-10-01
Features: This end of the century is a dreamless world. There is no past or future, only the games and joys of the present moment. But is the joy without dreams, without meaning, without a soul still human joy? People live with dreams, and intellectuals who create illusions for humanity—how can they live? Although dreams contain pain, tension, and terror, they also hold hope, desire, and pursuit. Dreams are a certain kind of motivation for human survival. Li Zehou's academic exploration has had a significant impact on Chinese aesthetics in the second half of the 20th century. This significance does not primarily lie in his innovative interpretations of specific academic issues, but rather in the unique role his philosophical macro-vision played in the construction of the aesthetics discipline. This book was completed in April 1995 and the postscript was written in February 1996. The proofs were early printed but could not be published. Several recent short and long essays were added, unfortunately, they were triggered by the "copyist" to provoke philosophical reflections (how to understand "self," "life and death," "immortality"—none of them are "body" or the transcendental and universal "heart"), which could not be included. The final interview was heavily edited for various reasons. Other few interview articles also had similar situations. Economic revitalization but literary struggles persist—perhaps this is the price China must pay on its path to modernization? The Master said, "How can it be?" "How can it be?" The Buddha said, "It cannot be said," "It cannot be said."