Last week, according to the statistics from WeChat Reading, I spent nearly 15 hours reading. During that time, I finished reading "The Biography of Su Dongpo" and am currently reading "Fly Like a Bird to Your Mountain" and "The Details of Rule of Law". Coincidentally, I just finished reading "The Details of Rule of Law" at the library today, so I thought I would share my reading experience from these past few days.
Reading Multiple Books in Parallel#
Recently, I came across an opinion in a newsletter (link) that recommended reading multiple books in parallel.
"It's obviously impossible to finish most books in one day. During the reading period of each book, we may come across new books that interest us at any time. I think it's completely unnecessary to reject or delay this kind of interest. Reading interest is fleeting..."
I actually agree with reading multiple books at the same time, but not without any restrictions. Reading dozens of books together just to increase one's reading volume would only result in a superficial understanding. I usually choose to read about 3 books simultaneously, without allocating fixed time or reading order. It all depends on my mood. If I get tired of a book after half an hour, I'll switch to the next one. This way, I can effectively avoid the boredom that comes from reading the same book for a long time.
Recently, I've been reading "Fly Like a Bird to Your Mountain" and "The Details of Rule of Law". The former is the author's autobiography, while the latter is a collection of the author's essays. They are from different fields and genres, so there is no pressure or overlap in content. This allows me to have impressions of both books at the same time, and I won't be distracted by the content of one book while reading the other.
"The Details of Rule of Law"#
April 10, 2022#
While reading "The Details of Rule of Law", I thought of another book by Luo Xiang called "Circle Justice". Why compare justice to a circle? He said that absolute justice exists, but we cannot obtain absolute justice. It's like drawing a circle, no matter how sophisticated the instruments are, we cannot draw a perfect circle. All we can do is approach perfection, approach absolute justice. At the same time, absolute justice and a perfect circle objectively exist, and we cannot deny their existence just because we cannot attain them.
I also underlined a sentence: "Mercy can only exist on the basis of justice. Without justice, mercy is like a man-eating plant adorned with beautiful greenery, tempting kind-hearted people towards fanatical cruelty."
This sentence is used to argue whether or not the death penalty should be abolished, because some people, out of mercy, do not want this kind of punishment to take away someone's life. However, isn't mercy towards the criminal cruelty towards the victim?
I hope to be a merciful person, but I will not show mercy to anyone or anything.
April 11, 2022#
Today, I finished reading "The Details of Rule of Law". During his time as a student, Luo Xiang encountered an elderly person seeking legal assistance who asked him for directions. In order to avoid unnecessary trouble, he concealed his identity but still accompanied the elderly person to the legal aid center. At the entrance of the legal aid center, the elderly person told him that he didn't need to go up with her, fearing that it would hinder Luo Xiang's future. Reflecting on this incident, Luo Xiang felt deeply ashamed. As a law student, he couldn't put his knowledge into practice.
Knowledge can only be effective when put into practice. In the evening, my roommate mentioned that when he worked in a factory, the boss intentionally withheld his wages. I suggested that he should sue the boss and present his reasonable demands. However, my roommate said it's difficult and almost useless. I don't really like hearing such words. We shouldn't refrain from doing something just because it's difficult. I have some knowledge of law, and if what I've learned can't help me, then how can it become my means of livelihood?
Tomorrow, the elective photography class will come to an end. Although it's only been half a semester, I can confidently say that photography class has been the most useful course for me in the second half of my sophomore year. The knowledge taught in class about photography can be immediately applied in practice, allowing me to truly experience the role of theory. If theory cannot be translated into practical action, no matter how profound the theory is, I consider it to be empty words.
"The Details of Rule of Law" is a great book. After reading it, I have gained a deeper understanding of Luo Xiang and have a renewed understanding of the law.