白巖松 (2015)，《白說 》，長江文藝出版社
這兩天讀白巖松，心里的感覺很不一樣。這不是一個古代的人隔空和我們交流，這也不是一個和我們般大般的人在用同樣懵懂的眼光探索世界。這是一個和我處在同一個時代，但在歷史的長軸上比我們向前、向后都多看了不止40年的人，他在用他一貫嚴(yán)肅的語氣與我們交流他的思考。
可以說我小時候在電視上最怕看到的就是白巖松，小時候住在外公家，每天晚上新聞聯(lián)播、天氣預(yù)報、焦點訪談和海峽兩岸這些節(jié)目是電視機里不可動搖的神圣。每天吃完晚飯本該是一家人圍爐談天的時刻，但在外公家我卻每天都要看這個一臉嚴(yán)肅的中年人用讓人生畏的語氣評述我搞不懂的社會問題。在我印象里，他從來沒有展過眉。
現(xiàn)在看到他多少還是有些畏，但當(dāng)然更多的是敬。他永遠(yuǎn)緊縮的眉頭和二十年沒有改變過的面容，在今天的我看來有著一種神奇的安定人心的力量。讀《白說》時，我把他看成一位令人安心的、溫暖的長者，一如孩提時期依仗父母叔伯。不同的是，小時候長輩保護(hù)我們平安康樂，教我做人最基本的技能，現(xiàn)在這本書里的話保護(hù)我不在人生的漫漫長途中迷失方向，教我如何用自己的方式把這個世界變好一點點，或者不讓這個世界變得更壞。
對這片土地要有多深沉的愛才會選擇一直擔(dān)當(dāng)社會的守夜人，現(xiàn)在看來，不茍言笑的白巖松是我們這個時代最溫情、最長久的陪伴。
1. The most valuable thing I learn from this book is how to read and how to think. Reading is a rewarding habit, but i didn't get the full benefits until today. I used to value quantity and the beauty of language. I read a lot, but think little, didn't become as sharp as I could. To me, reading used to be about showing off. The logic goes like this: because I read a lot, I'm more civilized and have better taste. How ridiculous and arrogant !
Language is another one. Poetic language is a sign of creativity and beauty, bringing peace and comforts to even the most troubled mind. I still believe that. But that only scrap the surface of great treasure, far from getting nourished. Language style is way too over-evaluated in high school. Every Chinese teacher complimented my great taste of language, and my classmates reckon me talented. But that's only an illusion of critical thinking. In hindsight, being called great with words in school did me more damage than good, I was too complacent to practice critical thinking. Beautiful language can't cover the hollow mind.
Yet there's still something developed in my early years deserving to be preserved. When I was young, I was able to fully indulge in books and appreciate the beauty of details. Now I can't even stand a longer narrative. I expect to invest the least of time and receive the ultimate solution of life. I expect something I do today could land me the ideal job tomorrow. Something I spend 3 or 4 hours on could become immortal in history. Of course I know life doesn't work that way. Find the attracting parts, get immersed, and think with my own free mind.
So what to do? According to him, I think I need to find back the pleasure of reading, writing, painting, and all the other creative things I do. Then do them with an innocent mindset. Also, think independently and critically.
With so many my peers having made fame by writing, I often doubted this kind of old school approach. But deep down, I know that the fame and profits without solid foundation are transient, and would probably be washed out easily. Keep discovering and trying, allow idling around seemingly useless stuffs, most importantly, spend enough time on things I really care about.
That's what "善建者不拔" means.
2. When regulations conflict with the law of universe
He mentioned that we can always find we are struck by regulations that conflict with the law of universe, or human nature.
If think about it, that's definitely true.
But the problem is I am too used to regulations. I can't even identify what is natural to me, and what I'm subjected to. Oh, but he can. I think the difference can be attributed to his background. He grew up in the Inner Mongolia steppe, where regulations are not as heavy, strict and redundant as they are in the plains and deltas.
How to jump out of the box and see things more objectively and critically? I think the start is to question habits. What makes habits habitual and often toxic is the fact we don't question habits, even the ones that make absolute no sense. We see them normal, or at least neutral. But if we observe closely, even the brilliant minds have some ridiculous habits. There's almost no exception. ?After all, doing things out of habit is no different than machine.
3. Standardizing is damaging
That's true because almost all my peers have once hated at least one of the most established masters. Qu Yuan, Li Bai, Su Dongpo, Lu Xun, Beethoven, De Vinci, Van Gogh, and so many others.
He says the society has already standardized these people and their works. They are more symbols of great values than real person. Their works have been summarized as common knowledge, and the most attractive and touching details have always been left out. Great works are not inspiring anymore . They're so inhuman and boring. No wonder we hate them.
I absolutely agree, but I have more reason. Their works left so little room for interpretation. There are a lot of authorities specializing on the great writers and great works, but in my eyes, some experts are privatizing human civilization. Textbooks are great examples. With our rigid exam system, educators impart knowledge so condescendingly that we can't have a different opinion. So, classical works are something we must appreciate, and there's only one way to appreciate. No wonder we hate them.
What to do? He says it's really simple. Just enjoy it our way.
How Nice!
