Lu Xun's Decision
Lu Xun is perhaps the most recognisable figure among Chinese writers of the 20th century, and is best known for his short stories and essays.But in his early life,Lu Xun was a student of Western medicine.So what made him abandon his medical studies and instead turn to a life of literature?
When he was 15,traditional Chinese medicine failed to cure his father's illness.Lu Xun therefore decided to study Western medicine and become a doctor.His studies took him to Japan,where one day he saw a film showing a Chinese man being killed by Japanese soldiers.Lu Xun was shocked to see that other Chinese in the film appeared to be indifferent to this terrible scene.
This experience made Lu Xun realise that the people of China were more in need of treatment for their minds than their bodies.He abandoned his medical studies and decided to take up writing.His reasons for doing so are clearly stated in the preface to his collection of short stories,Call to Arms.He thought people of a weak and backward country would suffer or witness suffering,no matter how physically strong and healthy they were.The most important thing,therefore,was to change people's spirit,and the best way to achieve this was,he felt,through literature.
Thus Lu Xun devoted the rest of his life to education and literature.His works,such as Call to Arms,Wandering and Wild Grass,express his lifelong dedication to teaching and inspiring young people to strive for a better future for China.
Translation to be continued~