Why Wang Xizhi loves geese
I recently read the book "Cultural Mysteries" and read the chapter about why Wang Xizhi loves geese. It was an eye-opener. In the past, I also learned about the elegant deeds of the sage of calligraphy and his love for geese from some miscellaneous books, but I never thought about the reason, so I didn't understand the details. This time I read the endless debates among scholars, and I felt that it was a shame to be ignorant of Confucianism.
A popular general theory is that Wang Xizhi got inspiration for his brushstrokes from the gait and posture of geese. The example of Zhang Xu watching Mrs. Gongsun dancing with a sword was also cited as evidence, and he was inspired by it, and then incorporated it into his writing, becoming a master of Kuangcao. Yes, for celebrities, especially those who have profound attainments in a certain field and set a precedent for a generation, we always relish their anecdotes like today's teenagers and girls do, and always want to share those purely personal hobbies. Rise to an inspiring height and serve as an example to encourage oneself or to teach younger generations.
However, it seems not easy to find the unique influence of "The Silly Goose" in Wang Xizhi's calligraphy works. Therefore, this statement is just a beautiful speculation and cannot be generally recognized by calligraphy experts.
So, another theory came out. The storyteller saint was a Taoist and had been practicing alchemy and Taoism. Because of long-term consumption of cinnabar, his body was deeply poisoned. As for goose meat, because it can eliminate this toxin, it is a must-eat for those who practice Taoism. So, it is natural that Wang Xizhi loves geese. This explanation seems to be in line with the materialist point of view, and of course it is also consistent with the current popular scientific outlook on development.
It is said that the scholar Chen Yinke wrote an article specifically for this purpose. Based on detailed historical data and after refuting the claims of various schools and factions, Mr. Chen came to his own conclusion. : The Book Sage likes to eat goose meat. Haha, this conclusion is very interesting. However, someone immediately raised the "Jin Shu? 6? 1 Biography of Wang Xizhi" to protest.
"The Biography of Wang Xizhi in the Book of Jin? 6?1" records: "Wang Xizhi was fond of geese. There was a solitary grandmother in Kuaiji who raised a goose. It was good at croaking. However, he failed to find it in the market, so he brought his new friend to visit him. "When grandma heard that Xi's arrival was coming, he cooked it, and Xi Zhi lamented that it would last for a long time." Opponents questioned Chen Yinke, and it seemed reasonable: Since Mr. Wang loved to eat goose, he was just enjoying it, so why should he use "Sigh for a long time"? Woolen cloth.
However, this question is also worthy of questioning. This goose is no ordinary goose. It has the special function of "good singing". Perhaps what Wang Xizhi regretted was that this gifted goose would never be able to sing again.
Do you really need a reason to like? Have we made a fundamental thinking error? People's hobbies, personal temperament, likes and dislikes, or it is just an accidental choice and then forming a habit. How can there be so many reasons! The use of scientific methods to treat natural things seems to be unsatisfactory at present, but it often misses the mark when it comes to people and human affairs.
Wang Xizhi loves geese, what’s the matter with Qing?