Nowadays, the term grassroots is more popular.
The word "grassroots" was originally a foreign term. It was coined during the gold rush in the United States in the 19th century. The original meaning is that where there are grassroots, there may be gold.
Introduced to China in the 1980s, it has been given a broader and deeper meaning. It refers not only to the folk and the masses, but also to the disadvantaged groups corresponding to the strong groups. From this, "grassroots culture", "grassroots heroes", "grassroots stars", etc. are derived.
As material civilization advances, freedom and equality will naturally become people’s spiritual pursuits. Although grassroots comes from the bottom, being humble does not necessarily mean being humble. Because the grassroots often represent the voices and wishes of the people at the bottom, the grassroots have received more and more attention and attention from the government and the media.
Grassroots show off their talents on their own stage. Their freedom is maximized, their individuality is fully expressed, and their value is fully affirmed. As the democratic process advances, the grassroots will have a broader sky.
Buyi and grassroots are synonymous. Although they both come from "poor families", Buyi is the originator of grassroots. "Xunzi's Outline" says: "The sages of ancient times were humble as commoners and poor as ordinary men." Zhuge Kongming also said humbly in "Shishi Biao": "I am a commoner and work hard in Nanyang." Commoners here refer to common people. .
In the feudal era with clear hierarchies, the economic foundation not only determined a person’s status, but clothing also reflected a person’s identity. Rich people wear silk and satin, while poor people can only wear cheap linen and coarse clothes.
Although Bu Yi is a commoner, he has a strong sense of mission and responsibility. They can take the world in mind as their own responsibility, and the safety, rise and fall of the country is more important than their own lives.
Yue Fei, who "served the country with loyalty," wrote the spirit of the common people with his sincerity; Wen Tianxiang, who "keeps his loyalty to illuminate history", composed a song of righteousness for the common people with openness. As the dedicated Prime Minister Zhuge said, these commoners "do not seek to be well-known and well-known to the princes", but seek peace and prosperity for the country and the people, worthy of future generations.
Among the common people, many scholars do not regard fame as the highest honor. Because of their low status, they dare not forget about the country. Therefore, they closely link their destiny with the destiny of the country and the people.
The realist poet Du Fu had a strong sense of concern for the country and the people, "I worry about Li Yuan in my poor years, and sigh for the heat in my intestines!" As long as he has a breath left, he hopes to see the Li people live a good life. "I dare to love to death when I am in a good time, but I am frightened when I am lonely!" My own emotions are closely related to the rise and fall of the country.
Fan Zhongyan, a writer who also came from a commoner background, was not only diligent and thrifty throughout his life, but also rigorous in managing his family. When he was an official, he did not forget the sufferings of the people. He had a famous saying: "Be worried about the worries of nature, and be happy when the world is happy later." His patriotic feelings were even broader and deeper.
There are also some scholars who, after experiencing the ups and downs of officialdom, retired to the mountains and forests and were willing to work as commoners. While adhering to their spiritual homeland, they "retreat to benefit themselves, and advance to benefit the world."
Tao Yuanming, who sang "Come back and come home", would rather plant and pick chrysanthemums and live in poverty than tarnish his spiritual pursuits; Zheng Banqiao wrote a poem for his "Bamboo and Stone Pictures", "Thousands of Chrysanthemums" No matter how many blows, pains and sufferings he endures, he remains strong-willed and does not go along with the world. This is a reflection of Bu Yi's unruly and persevering character.
Li Bai, who calls himself "Longxi Commoner", is unrestrained and unruly. He has the pride and pride of "the emperor can't even get on the boat", and he is free and easy. What I like most is the romance and joy of toasting to the moon, a free soul living in a state of transcendence.
In this way, commoner represents a kind of origin and a symbol.
Today, few people mention the word commoner anymore, it has been replaced by grassroots. This is related to the contemporary nature of language and also to people’s ideas. When some traditional things disappear, they will always be replaced by corresponding modern things.
While the grassroots people follow Bu Yi’s low-key, simple, free and happy lifestyle, they should inherit Bu Yi’s spirit and character and shoulder their own responsibilities and morals.