"The Secret of a Small Window" written by Chen Jiru in the Ming Dynasty, "Night Talk around the Fireplace" by Wang Yongbin, and "Cai Gen Tan" by Hong Yingming are known as the three must-read books for "Chinese people to cultivate their moral character". These books contain a lot of scattered philosophies of life and mottos about life, each with its own merits. Among them, the one I read over and over again and couldn't put it down is "The Secret of a Small Window".

Also a collection of philosophical sketches, "Cai Gen Tan" is very much like a strict family motto, with the unique arrogance and restraint of Neo-Confucianism in the Song and Ming Dynasties revealed in its bones, and the writing format mostly adopts the neat and contrasting format. . "Little Window's Secret" is different. Its writing style is loose and casual, but every word is precise; its format is casual and free, but it reveals a lazy rhythm. As a layman, I naturally prefer this smooth and concise narrative style rather than deliberately pursuing neat and obscure words.

In fact, from the unrestrained writing style, you can also guess how open-minded and comfortable the outlook on life described in the book is. He said, "With a bit of sadness on my brows, I went to watch chess and drink wine; with a lot of joy in my heart, I just came to plant bamboos and water the flowers." After experiencing the harshness of the world, he was able to find countless leisurely and elegant interests from every bit of life. Detachment? Just to keep this indifferent state of mind, he must have paid a price, because "the defense of indifference must be tried in the rich and beautiful field; the exercise of calmness must also be explored in the chaotic environment." The so-called indifference to fame and fortune , Calm and tranquil, only through the test of the bustling world and the chaos of life without wavering can we be considered truly transcendent. I always feel that no one is born with a heart that is indifferent to fame and wealth, and is not disturbed by the world of mortals. Who has never been young and passionate? And who has always only wanted to "be born in the world" without "joining the world"? What Chen Jiru shows in the book is his pursuit of an unfettered free life and a lofty and transcendent aesthetic life.

However, since he has pursuit, it shows that he has not reached such a transcendent state; even if he has reached it, it will only be after rolling hard in the lonely world of mortals. Did he ever show his fiery sincerity, but let the cold water of real society pour out his passion little by little? I think so, he must have been lonely and depressed. Behind the exploration of the mortal world, perhaps it is just deep exhaustion. Because he once said with emotion: "If you don't leave now, then leave. If you find time, there will be no time." If you can stop now, everything will end; if you want everything to end, then there will be no end. Life is endless, and when did the lonely soul of this genius, who pursues endless pursuits, start to get tired, wave his hands and sigh, "That's it", and let go of everything in the past? After hundreds of years, no one can see through the time. We don’t know the truth, but when we carefully read each of his emotional comments, we can clearly find the changing mentality. This may be one of the reasons why I like this book. It is as smart as life and will Laugh, sigh, and gradually mature and grow old little by little.

Regarding the principles of life, he did not talk about them in an admonishing tone, but just put forward his own opinions like a discussion, which gave people a lot of aftertaste. Maybe sometimes, he would talk about some of his experiences, such as "Under the trees in the setting sun, I leisurely follow my old man in the clear pool; in the deep snow hall, I would play with the poets in vain"; maybe sometimes, he would sigh about the elegant scenery, such as "The flowers on the road are blooming, and the flowers on both sides of the bank are blooming." The spring breeze blows the catkins; the loneliness in the boudoir, the night rain outside the window thins the pear blossoms. The fragrant grass returns late, the young horse is easy to say goodbye, passionate love, why do you regret your bad life?" Maybe sometimes, he will chat about those sad and touching allusions, such as "Hua Liu" Hidden deep in the lady's residence, there are three thousand weak waters; the rain clouds do not enter King Xiang's dream, but the twelve Wushan Mountains are in vain." Often, before he even talks about the truth, he is already in the right situation and has his own mind, making people suddenly enlightened and enlightened.

The book of wisdom should be pondered over and over again. The more you read, the more you will understand. Think often and savor carefully. Maybe the book will become a world of its own.