#China #Xue Mo #Changsha #Chinese Literature #Literary Scholarship

A Literary Journey with Xue Mo

In a captivating lecture titled "Creating Great Literature for the World," celebrated author Xue Mo recently addressed students at Central South University in Changsha. This talk was part of the university's ongoing "Literary Lecture Room" series, curated to inspire future writers and scholars. Moderated by the esteemed Professor Yan Jiexiong, this event witnessed Xue Mo share his experiences and insights into the world of literature with an audience composed mainly of graduate and doctoral students.

From Dreams to Reality

Xue Mo opened his presentation by recounting his transformative journey from humble beginnings in a remote village to becoming a globally recognized literary figure. He reminisced about a powerful image from his childhood—a lamp positioned on a tall pole in his family’s courtyard, which symbolized hope and served as a beacon guiding his literary aspirations. This personal narrative served as a poignant reminder of how far he has come, both as a writer and a thinker.

Expressing the philosophy that drives his work, Xue Mo quoted, "When I wake up, I work; everything will eventually disappear, leaving only the work behind." This belief underscores his commitment to producing literature that resonates on a universal scale. He illustrated this with examples from his notable works, including the epic Suosalang, highlighting how it has been translated into multiple languages and showcased at leading book fairs around the world. Today, his works boast translations in nearly 30 languages, with over 70 editions available internationally.

The Mission of Literature

Throughout his insightful discourse, Xue Mo passionately elaborated on the purpose literature serves in society. He urged aspiring writers to stay true to their art, transcending personal ambitions to delve into the deeper, often uncharted emotional landscapes of human experience. Quoting himself, he stated, "Unbound by external distractions, you become the creator of your world," urging writers to explore the depths of their souls through their literary creations.

In a panel discussion, Professor Yan lauded Xue Mo’s works for their significant cultural influence and the universal themes they tackle, while literary critic Hu Lei emphasized the depth and breadth of themes that Xue Mo explores, prompting profound reflections on the nuances of human nature.

Xue Mo took this opportunity to clarify the underlying essence of his literature by asserting, "Literature should embody the light of the Dao, transcending material desires and the noise of the world, to reach the core of the human spirit." This profound declaration marks the heart of his literary mission, which seeks to connect with readers on a deeper, more spiritual level.

A Legacy in Academia

As the event drew to a close, it was a proud moment as the establishment of the Xue Mo Literary Scholarship was announced at the CSU Research Center on Modern Chinese Novels. In a generous act, Xue Mo donated an extensive collection of his works, valued at approximately RMB 10,000, intended to support academic research and studies in literature across the campus.

The lecture not only served as an enriching educational experience but also further solidified Xue Mo’s commitment to intertwining literature with education. Attendees left with a renewed sense of inspiration, eager to immerse themselves in the literary world guided by Xue Mo’s vision of literature as a bridge connecting hearts and minds across cultures.