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Literature in the AI Era: A Dialogue with Xuemo and Zhang Huichun

On March 18, 2025, a significant event took place at London's Piccadilly, where award-winning author Xuemo and British-Chinese children’s literature writer Zhang Huichun engaged in a riveting discussion titled "The Role of Literature in the AI Era." This event, moderated by journalist Xu Liang, attracted an audience of nearly a hundred individuals, including notable figures like Cultural Counselor Ms. Wang Yun and Vice President of the Royal Society of British Artists, Guy Portelli.

As generative AI continues to infiltrate the literary landscape, many are left pondering whether AI is a looming threat to humanity, and if it can replace human writers. Xuemo expressed a cautionary yet hopeful outlook, asserting that the true menace lies not in AI itself, but within the tendencies of human hearts. He stated, "When guided by benevolence, AI can enrich the world, but when driven by selfish desires, humanity risks self-destruction."

Xuemo emphasized the necessity for technological advances to coincide with spiritual growth to maintain the essence of humanity. He recognized the efficiency of AI tools but pointed out their limitations: they lack consciousness and the capacity for genuine emotional experiences, both essential components in the creation of literature.

Zhang Huichun echoed Xuemo’s thoughts, highlighting that AI is incapable of replicating authentic emotions. She remarked, "While machines can assemble words, they cannot breathe life into them." For Zhang, the uniqueness of great literature is found in its emotional resonance and the spiritual insight it provides, elements that no sophisticated algorithm can truly achieve.

During the dialogue, an audience member inquired about their sources of inspiration. Xuemo responded using a powerful metaphor about breaking free from confinement. “We must break free from the confines of our little cup and merge with the vastness of the ocean-like world; then the words will flow by themselves,” he noted, emphasizing how expansive experiences inspire creativity. Furthermore, Zhang reflected on the twin engines of childhood curiosity and a love for nature that fuel her creativity, sharing a childhood anecdote about saving a bird that significantly influenced her storytelling.

To the delight of the audience, Xuemo was invited to perform "Yangguan Sandie," a classic piece adapted from a Tang Dynasty poem. This performance highlighted the extraordinary ability of music and literature to evoke genuine human emotion—a quality that AI systems are inherently lacking.

Both Xuemo and Zhang concluded that literature must act as a guiding compass in our AI-driven world, encouraging a return to fundamental human values—truth, goodness, and beauty. They argued for a reclamation of the spiritual foundation embedded within literature, ensuring it continues to nourish the human soul. Xuemo's latest work, "Suosalang," sought to embody these timeless ideals, serving as a reminder of the primordial wisdom humanity needs to awaken amidst the rise of AI.

In this dynamic and transformative age, the discussion serves as a beacon. It illustrates that while technology reshapes industries, true literature retains its vital role in cultivating the essence of humanity, urging us to maintain the connection to our core values. As Xuemo highlighted, "If literature can reclaim its spiritual tradition and nourish the human soul, then everything will be just as it should be."