The Debt Shall Be Paid
Commentary
The Book and its culture often define a society. The Chinese saying goes that “inside the book are houses full of gold and gorgeous women.” This utilitarian reading culture has led to what the contemporary Chinese educator Feng Enhong calls China’s lack of emphasis on “cultivating the ability of students to ask questions about value.”
My favorite quote from the West about books is from 17th-century English poet John Milton, author of Paradise Lost, who says, “A good book is the precious life-blood of a master spirit, embalmed and treasured up on purpose to a life beyond life.” In other words, it should be a transcending gem of value and spirit….