The Preface

Reading "The Preface to the Poetry Collection" by Zhong Rong of the Southern Dynasties, my mind was stirred by waves of literary thoughts. This classic not only stands as the forefather of poetry criticism but also advocates for an aesthetic of natural charm and simplicity. The book suggests that poets should express their own feelings in their own words, unrestrained by the confines of predecessors, and not overly adorned with elaborate vocabulary. I deeply resonate with this view, as the charm of poetry lies in its sincerity and direct expression of emotions; it lies in rejecting artificial embellishment to reveal the natural beauty of things.

Zhong Rong criticized those poets who excessively pursued rhythmic patterns and allusions, considering such works to have lost the intrinsic poetic appeal and original intention of literature. He believed that the pinnacle of poetry is "natural charm," which should reflect the beauty of nature and the genuine emotions of humans in creative works. Such poetry can be deemed a treasure and praised through the ages.

The concepts of "natural" and "naive" in later literary theories are undoubtedly an extension of Zhong Rong's thoughts. Poetry is a direct response of the soul to the world and should not be constrained by form. Immersed in the literary advocacy of "The Preface to the Poetry Collection," I seem to encounter the ancient literati's pure attitude towards poetry, their insistence on the natural beauty of literature, and their resistance to the temptation of affectation.

This pursuit of naturalness in literature is not only reflected in poetry writing but permeates the philosophy of life. The unadorned natural beauty is the most authentic and moving. Like drifting clouds and flowing water, they have no fixed form but always show their posture at just the right time.