Award-Winning Author Xuemo Discusses Cultural Insights and Literature's Role in Promoting Peace
Xuemo's Literary Vision at King Juan Carlos University
On June 9, 2025, the celebrated author Xuemo captivated audiences at King Juan Carlos University (URJC) in Spain with a stimulating academic lecture titled "The Legacy of Hexi, Reflections on Faith, and a Eurasian Dream of Peace". The talk was hosted by the esteemed philosophy professor Raúl Ramirez Ruiz and attracted a passionate crowd of students, faculty members, and scholars engaged in the exploration of Eurasian cultural studies.
Journey Through the Hexi Corridor
Xuemo began his discussion by taking the audience on a historical journey through the Hexi Corridor, an ancient passage located in western China, known as a repository of buried civilizations. Describing it as a living museum, he emphasized that the region plays a vital role in uncovering the roots of Chinese civilization. He remarked, "Loess is a page of time; each layer conceals a thousand-year story." This metaphor encapsulated the layered history and richness of culture infused in the landscape.
Faith and Daily Life
Diving deeper into the concept of belief, Xuemo elaborated on how faith manifests daily in Chinese culture, contrasting it with the Western perspective of salvation through belief. He asserted, "Chinese faith emphasizes attainment through cultivation," highlighting the three pillars of Chinese belief: Buddhist compassion, Daoist harmony with nature, and Confucian social responsibility. Xuemo noted that while China lacks a Western notion of 'God', the belief in Tian Dao—the Way of Heaven—is richly interwoven into the fabric of everyday life.
A Vision for Peace Through Literature
In a world grappling with crises such as war and the anxiety stemming from scientific materialism, Xuemo called for a revival of culture capable of redeeming these struggles. He attributed to literature a transformative power, stating, "I cannot change the world, but I can change the hearts of those who read my books. And through them, the world naturally changes." During the lecture, he introduced several of his works, which have been translated into 25 languages, further donating selected titles to the university library, underscoring his commitment to sharing knowledge.
Revamping Human Sensibility
With scientific rationalism often at odds with humanistic values, Xuemo urged a renaissance of poetic sensibility in education. He delineated that science is a tool, while the humanities provide direction. While science addresses the intellect, the humanities resonate with the heart, fostering a renewed connection to human experience. Xuemo pointed out that China is experiencing a resurgence in humanistic belief, contrasting with its noticeable decline in the contemporary West.
Idealism and the Purpose of Life
When a student raised the issue of philosophy's perceived detachment from real-life, Xuemo offered a philosophical lens on existence. He stated, "Eating keeps us alive; thinking tells us why we should live." This poignant reflection suggests that to survive is insufficient; humanity must aspire toward a higher spiritual existence. He concluded with an inspirational image, saying, "In the end, we are all travelers heading toward the sun. Even if we never reach it, we must keep a heart that yearns to fly."
Xuemo's talk not only provided deep insights into cultural heritage but also stirred profound emotional responses among attendees, proving literature's indispensable role in cultivating peace and understanding. His award-winning work, Wild Fox Ridge, is now available on Amazon, showcasing his literary contributions to a broader audience.
With his engaging discourse, Xuemo invites us all to reflect, participate, and, perhaps most importantly, dream of a harmonious world infused with rich cultural heritage.