‘Journey to the West’ stands as a beacon in the world of classical Chinese literature. This monumental work, typically attributed to the 16th-century poet Wu Cheng’en, spins an epic narrative steeped in mythology. The tale orbits around the character of Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, who embarks on a significant journey across Central Asia and India alongside his companions led by the monk Tang Sanzang. Their mission: to retrieve sacred Buddhist scriptures.
One individual profoundly touched by this narrative is Austen Chu, a renowned watch collector, influencer, and the founder and CEO of Wristcheck, a platform dedicated to watch trading. Chu delves into how this epochal tale impacted his life.
Born in Hong Kong and relocated to Shanghai at around two, Chu shares the familiarity of the tale with every Chinese child. He regards ‘Journey to the West’ as Asia’s original superhero story, one that imparts invaluable principles. This story has been a significant part of Chu’s life, introduced through television shows, school lessons, and bedtime stories from parents and grandparents.
His fascination with mechanical objects can be traced back to his childhood, a trait that evidently led to his passion for watches. While many children were engrossed in Barney the Dinosaur, Chu found himself captivated by Monkey King cartoons.
The epic tale, although seemingly about mythical creatures on a grand journey, holds more profound implications for Chu. It represents a narrative of human character, elucidating various facets of human nature through its diverse protagonists.
The character of Pigsy embodies the frailties of human nature through his gluttony, hedonism, and indifference towards repercussions. In contrast, Sandy exemplifies calm, collected, and industrious traits, although he can display a hot temper when required.
Chu identifies most with the Monkey King, a character epitomizing ambition, aggression, and a vast ego. Despite his contentious actions, the Monkey King is the key to the group’s journey, a metaphor Chu relates to his venture, Wristcheck, where they strive for unprecedented accomplishments.
The tale subtly emphasizes the power of teamwork. The Monkey King, despite his extraordinary abilities, needed his companions to reach their destination, a principle Chu applies while building his company.
Significantly, Chu acknowledges the transformative journey of the Monkey King, who initially appears brash and impulsive, only to develop a sense of altruism over time. This strong storyline, according to Chu, embodies the potential for personal change and the wisdom that comes with age, a metaphor reflecting the journey of life. This narrative of transformation resonates with Chu as a young entrepreneur, learning from his older and more experienced business partners and advisors.
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