Chapter 94 Mr. Ye Shengtao whom I admire

Mr. Ye Shengtao is a predecessor I admire most in the contemporary literary and art circles. The first time I read Ye Lao's works was in the early 1920s, "Earthquake" and "Little Clam's Homecoming" in the "Oriental Magazine" subscribed by my mother, both of which were short stories about children.His writing is so natural and lively, and his understanding of children's psychology is so nuanced, which moved me very much.Since then, I have read all the articles signed by "Shengtao" in newspapers and magazines first.I think this author is an "adult" who loves children and deeply sympathizes with the working people "without losing his innocence"!

In the late 1920s, I borrowed another copy from Mr. Gu Jiegang.This is a passionate book about a young man with ideals engaged in education, but in the era of great change, his efforts failed, his hopes were shattered, and he finally pinned his hope on the future with himself. different people.This book aroused my great sympathy and resonance.Therefore, Mr. Gu Jiegang said to me: Over the years, Sheng Tao has been a teacher, an editor, and also engaged in the work of compiling textbooks for elementary school students. He has devoted so much effort to education and literature!Mr. Zheng Zhenduo also told me: Shengtao is also one of the founders of our Literature Research Association.When he was an editor, he tirelessly rewarded young people. The first novels of Ding Ling and Ba Jin were all published in the "Fiction Monthly" by him.Ding Ling and Ba Jin themselves told me about this matter.However, before liberation, I had been living in Beijing, and I never had a chance to meet this senior whom I had admired for a long time.

I had the honor to meet Mr. Ye when I returned to Beijing from Japan after the liberation. I often saw him at gatherings of the literary and art circles. Although I didn't have a long talk because of the large number of people, he gave me the impression of humility, kindness, simplicity and enthusiasm. After reading his works, I think it can be said that his writing is like a person. He is exactly the Mr. Ye Shengtao I imagined. Since then, because Mr. Ye and I are both members of the Association for the Promotion of Democracy, we have more meetings and conversations.At the Democratic Progressive Congress, I often heard Mr. Ye talk about education or Chinese teaching and other issues to us.Here, it reminds me of the article "I Appeal" published by Mr. Ye in the "People's Daily" on November 26 last year. Reading it is like hearing the voice and seeing the person!For the "adverse effects caused by the one-sided pursuit of the college entrance examination rate" faced by thousands of families, he called on us to quickly rescue the middle school students who are under the pressure of the college entrance examination.He reminded us that "caring for future generations is caring for the future of our motherland".

Ye Lao’s great contribution to education and literature, his old friends can talk more and more deeply than me.I met Ye Lao late, but in just a few short years, he set an example for me.His spirit of caring for children and the future of the motherland for decades, I will work hard to learn from him!February 9, 1982