Generation Z Artists

Chapter 20: Reason comes before literature, and Tao comes before Confucianism [asking for monthly tickets]

In the evening, Fang Xinghe was about to go to the restaurant to get the last free meal, but was dragged by Chen Danya to attend the farewell dinner of the Sprout Organization.

"You came to the Magic City alone, so I will definitely take you to a good meal. Come on, you're welcome."

Okay, let’s go.

When he arrived at the restaurant and looked around, he was the only student present; none of his good friends were there.

Of course, not all the teachers were present, only twelve or thirteen were present.

The only person Fang Xinghe was familiar with was Yu Hua, whose cheeky smile was so endearing.

There are also Wang Meng, Ye Xin and Han Shaoyuan, who are unknown to Generation Z...

Well, actually he didn't know anyone well enough.

In order to avoid saying the wrong thing, he turned himself into a wooden fish, which only made a sound when struck.

Everyone knew Fang Xinghe's situation, so they thought that this kid just had a rebellious writing style, but was actually introverted and shy.

Until Yu Hua praised him: "Fang Xinghe, your writing is so good, how can it be so good? It's really amazing!"

Fang Xinghe smiled for the first time: "Thank you, Mr. Yu Hua, your articles are also very well written. I like your "Red Sorghum", "Wine Country", "Big Breasts and Wide Hips" very much..."

There was a sudden silence at the table, and everyone looked confused. When they finally reacted, they suddenly burst into laughter.

"Fuck! I want to have a drinking contest with you!" Yu Hua moved over, hugged Fang Xinghe's neck, and screamed to scare the kid, "Today only one of us can survive!"

"Row."

Fang Xinghe put aside two wine glasses and calmly reached for the bottle: "I can only drink two kilograms at most. Today's portion is yours."

"Take the young master?!!!"

Yu Hua's expression was visibly panicked. He quickly snatched the bottle and hugged it tightly in his arms: "I'm kidding you, can't you hear me? How could I drink with a child!"

"Hahahahaha..."

Everyone was laughing so hard that they slapped their thighs, and they all laughed at Yu Hua, but he didn't get angry. He just kept talking nonsense about how it wasn't cheating for a writer to avoid drinking, and the atmosphere was very joyful.

After this incident, they also had a new impression of Fang Xinghe - this kid is indeed wild, and under his polite appearance, he has a heart that is not afraid of shrinking or fearing anything.

So everyone started talking about Fang Xinghe's essays again, and extended the topic to related issues such as family life.

"It's just that, nothing new."

Fang Xinghe rejected their sympathy lightly, but he accepted all criticisms and discussions on the article.

When writers gather together, they love to talk a lot and they also love to be harsh in their words.

Most of the people at the gathering today were able to stick to the facts; only two or three people were taking advantage of their seniority and sounding superior.

Fang Xinghe can distinguish good from bad and can also maintain his temper.

Until Mr. Wang Meng asked: "Why are you so familiar with Taoist classics?"

Fang Xinghe put down his chopsticks, picked up the tool, and drew a line in front of him.

He explained it this way -

“I personally feel that in the end, modern Chinese scholars will most likely return to Taoism rather than Confucianism.

The current limit of Confucianism is either Zhang Zai's Four Sentences of Hengqu or Wang Yangming's unity of knowledge and action. The former releases influence externally, while the latter restrains the body and mind internally. Both are powerful and grand, but I am afraid they are not suitable for future development forms.

In the next century, the world will change very fast, so fast that every country will have to strive hard to catch up with this wave. The importance of science, engineering, IT, and scientific research will rise sharply. The future belongs to science students and will no longer be driven by intellectuals.

Since politics is no longer a stage for intellectuals, and merely cultivating oneself is too passive, our generation will definitely face the embarrassment of "having some influence but still finding it difficult to clearly define our own position."

Is literature still important? It is important, but it should be ranked behind development.

When literature develops to a certain level and begins to satisfy spiritual needs, will it be able to surpass movies, TV shows, games, and music? I have my doubts.

Times like this, what can individuals do?
Therefore, our generation of literati is destined to be imperfect and confused. Taoism is very suitable at this time.

Being free and unrestrained, wandering between being in the world and leaving it, one can be truth-seeking and pragmatic, pursuing the realization of personal values in the world, or one can be carefree and idealistic, tracing back to the fundamental spirit of the Chinese nation.

Confucianism is uncomfortable and follows the rules, while Taoism is true to nature and unrestrained. In that freer and more romantic future, reason comes before literature, and Taoism comes before Confucianism. I firmly believe in this. So I prefer "Tao Te Ching" to "The Analects".

I don’t think I will be a traditional Chinese scholar, and I’m afraid there won’t be any traditional scholars in the new generation.”

For a long time after he finished speaking, there was dead silence at the table.

Yu Hua widened his eyes and turned to look at Fang Xinghe in an extremely awkward posture.

Chen Danya crossed her arms and gently rubbed the goose bumps on her skin.

Teacher Tie Ning and Teacher Shao Yuan looked at each other, their mouths never closing.

Li Qigang took his glasses in his hand and wiped them tremblingly.

Is it an eye-opener?
Yes, but it is not so convincing that it is difficult to refute.

However, when the person who gave such insightful comments was just a little boy under 14 years old...

No one can describe the shock in their hearts, even if they are all top writers who are best at playing with words.

"Xiao Fang, you..."

Wang Meng smacked his lips and couldn't say any more.

"Oh shit……"

Ye Zhaoyan muttered something, and apart from the swear word, the rest of the sound was barely audible.

The editor-in-chief of Mengya, Zhao Changtian, thought deeply: You seek the truth, and we cultivate literature. Is this a subtle statement that we are not on the same path at all...

He narrowed his eyes and looked at Fang Xinghe, but could see nothing.

Until Wang Yali carelessly rubbed Fang Xinghe's hair and praised excitedly: "You are worthy of being my brother, you really make me proud!"

The atmosphere at the table gradually began to relax.

Then, everyone argued about Taoism and Confucianism for almost two hours, until their faces turned red and their necks became thick.

Some people believe that Taoism is indeed very good, while others insist that the core ideas of Confucianism still have positive significance.

On the whole, people tend to be pessimistic about the development of literature, but also harbor an inexplicable hope.

Fang Xinghe did not participate anymore and just focused on eating and drinking. Today's Huaiyang cuisine was very fresh and it was the most delicious meal since his rebirth.

The party ended at about 9:, and everyone left their contact information to Fang Xinghe.

They still have a second show to sing.

Yu Hua continued to hold Fang Xinghe, but he was unwilling to participate anymore and said goodbye to go back and pack his things.

Chen Danya sent him back to the hotel. Before they parted, she solemnly reminded him, "Keep studying, keep writing, don't waste your talent. If you need any help, be sure to call me."

Fang Xinghe gratefully hugged this mother-like auntie and said softly, "I will. Nice to meet you, Auntie Chen."

Chen Danya said, "I am even happier to have discovered you through this competition."

Fang Xinghe smiled and waved his hand, then turned and went upstairs.

Meanwhile, in an extremely fashionable KTV, Wang Meng asserted: "Fang Xinghe will definitely be an extremely remarkable person in the future."

“Fuck!” Yu Hua rolled his eyes in frustration, “He’s already pretty impressive now, okay!”

Chen Sihe sighed deeply: "He is not of the same generation as us, nor is he of the same age as us. He is more in the future."

Wang Yali's excitement has continued to this day and is still high.

She said loudly: "I am now more looking forward to his novel. I have a feeling that it must be a completely unexpected work. It may not be particularly good, but it must be special!"

Everyone thought this guess was reliable, and even made a bet and guessed several possible directions.

It is extremely rare to see a group of great authors and top writers talking so intently about a child.

But they don't feel it's strange, because with some people, as long as you chat with them for a few minutes, that extraordinary atmosphere will take root in your mind, linger for a long time, and be unforgettable.

(End of this chapter)