I've been reading my sister's translation of my grandma's novel, Heaven and Earth, and I stumbled across an awesome quote by grandpa when he was persecuted and blamed for something that he was not responsible for...here's the quote:
"...事實真相總有大白的一日，用不到我們去答辯的，目下我們用不到和人家去爭長論短，打筆墨官司，我只求仰不愧於天，俯不怍於人，對任何毀謗或責難我既不生氣，也不介壞“
The translated version:
"...there's no need to squabble over trifles or fight legal battles in print: as long as my conscience is clear in front of God and man, I will not be angry over slander or censure."
.......................................................................................
I find what grandpa said extremely powerful and very inspiring. His reasoning transcends and oversees the normal human reaction towards false witnesses and prosecution. I believe if we all employ his attitude in everyday life, we won't find many opportunities to get angry.
Honestly prior to reading Heaven and Earth thoroughly I've never developed realistic respect for my grandparents. Their love story, my grandma's loyalty and diligence, my grandpa's superhuman psychological and physical endurance, were all part of a family legend to me. But things have changed as I read each line of Heaven and Earth with careful inspection. Now I've employed a completely different perspective. I feel as though I have matured after reading this book.
Anyhow, I just realized it's 1 am here and I have and 830 class tomorrow morning (Calculus!)
Time to hit the sack:)
James
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First of all, it is good for James to realize the importance of communication with the family.
ReplyDeleteAnd the family should also share ideas with him.
Secondly, I am glad that my son has indeed been more matured and has got deeper ideas about the family idendity,tradition and heritage.
James, if the Lord allows, let all our family members and the coming generations be proud of you in some way someday. Dad
I also felt like I gained a much deeper understanding of Grandpa / Grandma after reading Da Jieh's work. In particular, Grandpa's vision of service and selflessness, and his ability to endure suffering without complaint, is so far removed from what we see day to day here in the cultures we inhabit in the 21st century that I felt tremendously humbled just reading about his life.
ReplyDeleteFamily,
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading the translation. Grandma's style is lyrical, and I'm afraid that at times I've killed the poetic rhythms in her prose. Please feel free to make suggestions.
Because this is a personal family history, it becomes rooted into our familial consciousness. Now we have fleshed out Grandpa a bit; in the introduction I hope to flesh out Grandma a bit for you as well. I am honored that you took the time to read my work.
(Low Bow Made)