In 2000, French newspaper Le Monde called Su Dongpo "1000 hero". This paper examines Su Dongpo in the background of the development history of human thought, and holds that the Northern Song Dynasty in China coincided with the decline of Buddhism and the revival of Confucianism, which was a bit like the Renaissance in Europe. Su Shi, who lived in this period, tried to reconcile the birth of Buddhism, the health of Taoism and the entry of Confucianism into the WTO, and sought spiritual freedom from the integration of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Poetry, painting and calligraphy are just one way for him to express himself.
When Su Shi's political ups and downs, he praised him for not being confused by his official position, his weak concept of loyalty to the monarch, and his concern for the sufferings of the people. Living in a high temple, worrying about the people and being diligent; Stay away from rivers and lakes, be conscientious and be a good party. Young master Zhezong acceded to the throne and was recalled to the imperial court, Ren Zhongshu Scheeren. In two years, he drafted more than 800 imperial edicts for the emperor. During his relegation, he fought floods and exterminated locusts, helped the poor and saved orphans, and made many meritorious deeds. He also organized a community in Huangzhou to oppose the rampant killing of young children, and founded the first public hospital in the history of China.
Su Shi and Wang Anshi are both literati in politics. They have many similarities, but their political views are different. Wang Anshi is a radical "national unification" and Su Shi is a conservative "liberal". However, the differences between political camps did not prevent them from respecting each other for life. During Wang Anshi's exile due to the failure of political reform, Su Shi made a special trip to visit him. When Su Shi was in political trouble, Wang Anshi's younger brother was one of the people who stood up for him. This kind of friendship between gentlemen is quite commendable.
According to statistics, Su Shi served as an official for 30 times, was demoted 17 times, frequently traveled between temples and rivers and lakes, and spent 130 days in prison. However, he has been philosophical all his life, and few pessimistic and world-weary works are left in his poems. During his relegation to Huangzhou, he lost his salary and became a farmer. He farmed in the fields and had a good time. The article calls it a "peasant poet". In his later years, he was banished to Hainan, which was a complete exile. At this time, he is old and ill, and can't adapt to the climate there. So he calmly built himself a coffin and dug a grave. 1101July 26th, two days before his death, he wrote his last poem. The author calls Su Shi "an incorrigible scholar" in a highly appreciative style.
Su Dongpo's political career, like his poetry, calligraphy and painting, belongs to our precious cultural heritage. His poems and songs are always worth reading, and his way of being an official is also worth our in-depth study and taste.