Chapter 1: The Weekend Reflection

As the weekend unfolds, I find myself contemplating my perceptions of writing and reading. Individuals who have lived under regimes like the Soviet Union, East Germany, or North Korea understand the severe penalties for consuming foreign media—be it through unauthorized articles or radio broadcasts. For instance, in 1950, listening to foreign broadcasts without permission could lead to execution. The accompanying image is sourced from the China News Archive.

In recent times, I've observed that many newcomers to Medium are fervently pursuing financial independence through writing—a pursuit I once dreamt of in my youth. However, I realize that this aspiration is as elusive as love itself, and I won't delve into it further; after all, we are all adults capable of mature reflections.

Reflecting on my own motivations for writing and reading, I often wonder what drives someone like me, whom I consider intellectually average, to continue these pursuits. My artistic skills may surpass my writing abilities, but the urge to express remains.

I recall a conversation with a former classmate from elementary school. Over dinner, he shared how his family benefited from urban redevelopment, receiving compensation for several apartments in Shenzhen after their home was demolished. He gleefully recounted a story about a tenant involved in prostitution, who he claimed had engaged in multiple encounters with him, only to be evicted without payment. I criticized him for his lack of morality, yet he simply laughed off my indignation, sharing a troubling anecdote about a local case involving a female police officer named Xu Yan.

In April 2019, a scandal emerged in Guannan County, Jiangsu Province, involving government officials, including Xu Yan, who faced severe consequences for her relationships with superiors—initially sentenced to 13 years, later reduced to 7. Her father defended her, arguing that she was a victim of coercion, highlighting a societal issue where the narrative often shifts blame onto women. My classmate, despite his ordinary educational background, exhibited a troubling mindset shaped by societal values that seem to endorse such behavior.

After Mao Zedong's death in 1976, Deng Xiaoping's policies of reform and opening up transformed China economically. However, my conversation with this classmate underscored the critical role of writing and reading in fostering a humane society. Without voices advocating for goodness, we risk devolving into a society devoid of morality, much like my classmate.

Mr. Yan Fu eloquently stated in "On the Meaning of Reading":

"Material poverty can strip away your dignity.

Spiritual poverty can deplete your essence for lifetimes.

While books may be inexpensive, the wisdom they offer is invaluable.

Reading might not guarantee a bright future,

But it empowers you to articulate your thoughts, act meaningfully, and navigate the world with grace.

Reading is the gateway to nobility for everyone."

Mr. Yan Fu's legacy is notable; he pursued naval studies in Britain, eventually returning to China to educate others after graduating with honors.

In the video "Weekend Break: Rhapsody Theater," we explore themes of creativity and expression that resonate with my reflections on writing and reading.

Chapter 2: The Pursuit of Knowledge

In a world increasingly focused on material gain, the importance of intellectual and spiritual growth cannot be overstated.

"Saturday's Rhapsody" further emphasizes the need for artistic expression and the value of knowledge in shaping our identities and societies.