Hailed as the most prolific writer and scholar in China, 81-year-old Wang Meng published a new book this January titled "A Return to Virtue." The book is a modern interpretation of the Confucius classic "Analects of Confucius."
Wang became famous when he published his first novel "Young at Heart." Like many contemporary writers, Wang experienced several twists and turns in his life amid the turbulent changes that China was undergoing. He was labeled a rightist in the mid-'50s and was sent to Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region to do manual labor for 16 years.
Upon Wang's return, he began writing again and published a series of essays and novels. He became Minister of Culture from 1986 to 1989.
While many of his contemporaries during the '60s have faded from public sight, Wang did the opposite. His optimism can be felt in all of his books. Wang said in an interview that his revolutionary thoughts, along with the formation of the People's Republic of China, molded him into what he is now. Even his bitter 16 years in Xinjiang doing manual labor gave him optimism instead of despair.
Wang said that "the optimism of the Uyghur people had a great impact on me. Their lifestyle reflects the philosophical ideals held by Zhuangzi."
"Return to Virtue" advocates optimism. It is a collection of Wang's Confucius studies that spanned several decades. Critics say that Wang's book is a reflection of his moral and cultural idealism.
Although Confucianism is one of the most popular and important traditions in Chinese culture, modern society is having a hard time relating to it. "Return to Virtue" extols the return of modern society to traditional values and virtues.
Critics say that only a scholar of Wang Meng's caliber can pull that one off.