Foreword: After reading Maugham's "The Moon and Sixpence" and "The Veil", I started to read Maugham's third book. Based on my friend's recommendation, it seemed that the "Larry" in this book had a style similar to mine, so I spent a day on Sunday reading this book. What attracts me most about the book "The Blade" is this sentence: "The sharp edge of a razor is difficult to pass; the wise man has a cloud, and he has to cross the thin people." The English version is: "The sharp edge of a razor is difficult to pass." over, thus the wise say the path to Salvation is hard." This sentence is very meaningful and difficult to understand, so much so that I read the entire book and didn't know why Maugham's novel was called "The Blade". After reading other people's book reviews, I realized the meaning of this sentence: "The edge of a knife is not easy to cross; therefore the wise say that the way to salvation is difficult."
Text: This book tells the story The story takes place before and after World War I. American young man Larry witnessed his friends sacrifice themselves in the war to rescue him. Therefore, when he returned from the war, he felt more confused about life than ever before. He does not understand why there is evil, pain and misfortune in the world. He left his fiancée behind and traveled across Europe in search of the meaning of life. A lot of reading, hard physical labor, and Christian monastery cleaning failed to give him peace of mind. Until he sailed to the east and found the way to live a peaceful life in the Indian Vedas philosophy. In the process of pursuing her, he broke off his engagement with his fiancée, gave up all opportunities for worldly success, and dissipated his family wealth. At the end of the story, Larry did not become a Buddha, start a family or escape into Buddhism. He just took the insights he gained and disappeared into the noisy sea of ??people.
"The protagonist in my novel is not a famous person, and may never be famous; when his life comes to an end, he may not leave any trace, just like a stone thrown into the river, which only temporarily makes ripples on the water; so If this book is read favorably by readers, it will only be interesting to read the story itself. However, in view of his obedient lifestyle and his unique character of both strength and kindness, his influence on his colleagues may increase day by day, and his influence on future generations may increase. People will also discover that there was a strange man in this era," Maugham wrote at the beginning of this book "The Blade".
People who have watched "Blade" should know that there is no absolutely correct philosophical point of view, let alone any absolutely correct life. The beauty of life lies precisely in its richness. Different people have different ideal lives. There is no one kind of life that all of us want or should pursue. But no matter what kind of life you want to live, it will not make you worry-free and satisfactory.
Eliot, who wanted to squeeze into the upper class, was looked down upon by the upper class all his life. Isabel, who was addicted to money and money, could not find her spiritual partner Larry, even the Larry whom the author admired the most. In order to find the meaning of his life, he also went through hardships. Somerset Maugham did not belittle anyone's life. As absurd as Eliot, he also wrote about the loveliness of his family. As vain as Isabel, he also wrote about her noble, elegant and moving temperament. Even for Larry's kind of finding The path to sanctification of the meaning of life only gives out praise when appreciating fireworks. Maugham did not give an answer to how life should be lived, but it made readers want to find the answer.
Everyone in "Blade" has gotten what they wanted. Eliot became a social celebrity; Isabel lived a good life; Gray found a profitable job and had his own firm; Susan Rouvier chose to marry; Sophie died; Larry found himself The longing for "Tao".
Indeed, when a person becomes successful and famous, he often reaches the twilight of his life. If he sees all the prosperity at a young age, he will still integrate his life experiences to form immortal creations. One day, he will continue to recall his original intention of writing, review what he has seen and heard in his life, and create a seemingly casual character and a colorful life that covers all his life and thinking over the years. This can be regarded as complete merit and virtue, with no regrets.
Perhaps, this is the best ending in our lives. People are born with different aspirations. How wonderful it is to live how you like and live the life you long for. I think it's because during the best years of your life, you should pursue the truth and your true self. Even if you get nothing in the end, you have nothing to regret. As Larry said, "I think the highest ideal a person can pursue is self-improvement." The pursuit itself is a kind of self-improvement.
I really like the author's summary of Larry at the end: "He has no ambitions and no desire for fame or fortune; no matter what kind of social celebrity he becomes, he is disgusted; therefore, he may be very satisfied with himself. In choosing a life, just being himself is enough. He is too humble to be a role model for others; but perhaps, he feels that some hesitant people will be attracted to him like moths to a flame, and will eventually turn to him. Come and share his shining belief: the bliss of life lies only in the spirit, and people who follow the path of self-cultivation with thoughts of selflessness and renunciation will be able to perform their duties well, just like he wrote a book or It's like convincing all sentient beings.
Although there are many difficulties and obstacles along the way, as the author said, "the razor is sharp and it is difficult to get over", but fortunately there are still some people who can overcome it. No matter in what form, they can overcome it. Be lucky.
No matter whether we can cross the edge or not, I hope you and I can get the life we ??want.