Celebrating the Power of Reading: Insights from Influential Voices at the “My Reading Life” Essay Contest

The “My Reading Life” essay contest, supported by the Taofen Foundation and launched by a major Chinese newspaper, has recently brought together a mosaic of voices to celebrate the power and importance of reading. This event, inspired by the nationwide reading atmosphere emphasized in the report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, aims to encourage students to reflect on their reading experiences and explore the knowledge of the world.

For young people, reading represents a journey of self-discovery and global understanding. As the ancient thinker Gu Yanwu aptly put it, studying in solitude can lead to isolation, highlighting the importance of shared learning experiences. This sentiment echoes in the diverse themes covered by student articles, showcasing varied perceptions of reading but a unified pursuit of knowledge.

Nie Zhenning, Chairman of the Taofen Foundation, emphasizes the foundation’s commitment to promoting national reading culture, particularly focusing on developing students’ reading abilities. He suggests three key reading techniques: engaging the mind, using one’s hands, and not shying away from reading aloud.

At Dulwich College Beijing, Principal Anthony Coles acknowledges the significance of platforms like the essay contest in nurturing the voices of young people and fostering a culture of knowledge sharing. He extends his gratitude to guest speakers, participating students, and parent volunteers for their contributions to this enriching dialogue.

Robert Walker, Emeritus Fellow at Oxford University and professor at Beijing Normal University, shares his perspective on reading, citing Émile Zola’s “Germinal” as an example of how fiction, though not factual, can convey profound truths about human existence. He advocates for a critical approach to reading, emphasizing the importance of seeking truth in literature.

Actress Tan Zhuo brings a personal touch to the discussion, sharing how reading not only enlightens but also helps in understanding how to live better. Through various literary works, she illustrates how reading can evoke deep reflections on life and aesthetics.

Ning Jingwu, a director and scriptwriter, combines reading with traveling, finding inspiration in the cultural heritage and historical narratives of places like the ancient state of Qiuci. His approach highlights the interplay between literature and real-world exploration.

Former vice curator of the Palace Museum, Li Wenru, reminisces about his experiences with reading and organizing similar essay contests in the past. He underscores the improved reading environments for today’s generation and the enduring philosophy that reading is an integral part of life.

Sun Yi, known as “Sister Xiaoyu,” a program host at BRTV, shares how specific authors like Gao Shiqi and Bing Xin have shaped her career and personal growth, demonstrating the transformative power of finding authors that resonate with one’s interests.

Finally, students Chen Yanle and Zhou Kanhe offer their unique perspectives. Chen finds inspiration in Liu Xie’s “The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons,” reflecting on the challenge of preserving classical literary spirits in a modern context. Zhou, initially indifferent to reading, discovers a love for Agatha Christie’s works, emphasizing the importance of personal taste in literature.

Together, these voices at the “My Reading Life” essay contest highlight the multifaceted nature of reading and its profound impact on personal growth, cultural understanding, and the pursuit of knowledge.

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