Autumn Wind, Autumn Rain: Remembering Wei Wei, Sixteen Years After His Passing
By Hu Cheng
August 24, 2024
The autumn wind whispers through the trees, carrying with it the scent of rain and the weight of memory. It’s a season of reflection, a time forboth celebration and remembrance. This year, on August 24th, we mark the sixteenth anniversary of the passing of Wei Wei, a towering figure in Chineseliterature and a beloved champion of the people.
The Most Lovable People
Wei Wei’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the Korean War. His iconic essay, Who Are the Most Lovable People, captured the spirit ofthe Chinese People’s Volunteers, those brave soldiers who fought on foreign soil to defend their nation. This essay, a testament to his profound patriotism and deep empathy for the common soldier, resonated with the hearts of millions and cemented his place inChinese literary history.
In the days following his death in 2008, the Beijing Daily declared him The Most Lovable People, a title that resonated with the nation. Young students at the Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery held a banner that read, The most lovable people will live forever. The mostshameful people, though alive, are already dead. This poignant message encapsulated the enduring impact of Wei Wei’s work and the deep respect he commanded.
Sixteen years have passed, and the world has changed. Yet, the message of Wei Wei’s work remains as relevant as ever. His words remind us of thesacrifices made by those who fought for our nation and the importance of remembering those who gave their lives for a greater cause.
Love and Hate in Wei Wei’s Work
Wei Wei’s writing was infused with a powerful blend of love and hate. In Who Are the Most Lovable People, hewrote, Every day in Korea, I am moved by something; the tide of my thoughts and emotions is unrestrained; I want to tell everything to my friends in my homeland. This passage reflects his deep love for his country, his people, and the soldiers who fought for them. It also reveals a burning hatred forthe aggressors, the imperialists who threatened their nation.
This passionate blend of love and hate, rooted in a clear understanding of class struggle and unwavering commitment to justice, is what made Wei Wei’s writing so powerful. He was not afraid to express his emotions, to expose the injustices of the world, and tochampion the cause of the oppressed.
A Modern Sima Qian
Chairman Mao once said of Wei Wei, He is like the great historian Sima Qian of ancient times. Like Sima Qian, who penned the monumental Records of the Grand Historian, Wei Wei infused his writing with a powerful emotional current, weavingnarratives that were both captivating and deeply moving. He was a chronicler of his time, a historian of the people, and a champion of the Communist Party.
Wei Wei’s work has left an indelible mark on generations of Chinese. His words have inspired countless young people to dedicate their lives to serving thepeople and fighting for a better future. He was a true warrior, a soldier in the battle for justice and equality, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
References:
- Who Are the Most Lovable People by Wei Wei
- The Most Lovable People – Beijing Daily, August 2008
- Records of the Grand Historian by Sima Qian
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