Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Before winter arrives in Shanghai, there are always a few drizzles. The damp and cold weather makes one feel an intense chill that seeps through, causing passersby to raise their collars and pull their necks tightly into their coats.
Qiluo Ling walks along a path in the university campus with her philosophy teacher, Professor Chen.
The few remaining yellow leaves on the trees lining the campus path swirl in the cold wind, while the bare branches reach straight up toward the sky.
After Cheng Yuping introduced her to her senior, Professor Chen, she left to attend to her own matters.
Professor Chen is in his thirties, of average appearance, not very tall, slim, fair-skinned, and quite refined, wearing glasses with thick lenses.
"I heard from Yuping that you want to understand the impact of music on people's thoughts and emotions?" Professor Chen looks at her with a calm smile.
"Yes, sorry to bother you," Qiluo Ling replies politely.
"Not at all. It's rare for someone to have an interest in this area. May I ask if your profession is related to music?"
She thinks for a moment and says, "I'm just a music enthusiast who has encountered some difficulties, so I wanted to seek knowledge in this direction."
At that moment, a noisy sound comes from afar—there are shouts, laughter, cheers, and even car horns. Amidst those various sounds, a faint Piano Piece mixes in. Qiluo Ling keenly captures its subtle presence.
"A segment from Wagner's Lohengrin," she murmurs to herself.
"What?" Professor Chen seems not to understand.
Qiluo Ling smiles apologetically and says, "I just happened to hear a familiar piece just now."
"How come I didn't hear it?" He tries to listen carefully but shakes his head in disappointment. "I didn't hear anything."
"Please forgive me; I'm more sensitive to music than most people," Qiluo Ling smiles slightly.
"I didn't catch that earlier; what piece of music did you say it was?"
"A segment from Wagner's Lohengrin," Qiluo Ling repeats.
"A segment from Wagner's Lohengrin?" He struggles to search his mind for a Piano Piece that he feels he has heard before.
"By the way, I remembered this piece of music. This is the piece that made Hitler cry," Professor Chen smiled.
Then he continued, "This is an example of how music affects human emotions; even the most heinous person can have their natural feelings changed by the melody of a piece."
"I believe music influences people's emotions. But how can it affect thoughts or reasoning? After all, thoughts are rational things."
After thinking for a few seconds, Professor Chen said, "When people experience the life consciousness and emotional currents of the composer through a musical work and are moved by it, a resonance and intense emotional impact occur deep within their souls. This allows the shaken spirit to gain renewal and rebirth, leading them to view society and life in a new way, thus establishing a new standard for understanding and evaluating the meaning of life."
"Can it really establish a new value system in thinking?" Qiluo Ling asked skeptically.
"Of course, this is related to the essence of music. When we talk about essence, we enter the realm of philosophy. The 'Book of Rites: Music' represents Confucian aesthetic thought on music, which discusses the essence of music as follows: 'All sound arises from the human heart. Emotions stir within, thus manifesting as sound; when sound forms patterns, it is called music. Therefore, in peaceful times, music is filled with comfort and joy, leading to harmonious governance; in chaotic times, music is filled with resentment and anger, leading to misguided governance; in times of national decline, music is filled with sorrow and reflection, leaving the people in distress. The way of sound reflects political clarity.'"
"What does that mean?"
"All sound is generated within the human heart. Emotions stir within and are expressed as sound; fragmented sounds combine into a structured whole called music. Thus, in peaceful times, music is filled with comfort and joy, leading to peaceful governance; in chaotic times, it is filled with resentment and anger, leading to misguided governance; in times of national decline or near extinction, it is filled with sorrow and reflection, leaving the people in despair. Therefore, music is connected to politics and serves as a form of communication."
Qiluo Ling nodded thoughtfully.
"This theory has been thoroughly debated within ancient Greek philosophical systems. In ancient Greece's view, music has an educational function that can purify the soul and lead people towards goodness."
"Music has an educational role?"
"Of course. Socrates once said: for the body use sports; for the soul use music. Plato mentioned in 'Republic' that rhythm and melody penetrate deeply into the human soul with great force; if the methods of education are appropriate, they will nourish the soul with beauty. Those who receive good musical education can quickly discern ugliness reflected in all artistic works from nature but will appreciate beauty when they see it and swiftly absorb it into their souls as nourishment, thus elevating their character to become noble and beautiful."
Professor Chen paused for a moment before continuing: "Aristotle also discussed in Chapter Eight of his work 'Political Science' that the moral and educational functions of music are particularly important; its educational role outweighs its pleasure-giving effect. In the eyes of ancient Greek theorists, music possesses ethical value orientation, which is fully reflected in their regulation of music to guard against its excessive influence on people's 'corruption.'"
Professor Chen spoke eloquently, conveying a wealth of information that included many philosophical ideas. Qiluo Ling could not fully comprehend everything and fell into contemplation.
"From both philosophical theory and practical reality perspectives, elegant melodies and rhythms can indeed shape just and beautiful souls. Even Plato proposed in his 'Republic' that changing musical melodies would also change a nation's fundamental laws."
Qiluo Ling looked at him in astonishment.
"It's normal not to understand much about this area of knowledge. For example, music can even represent a country's values and plays a crucial role in the competition between nations."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Music is one of the most powerful communication tools in American diplomatic efforts. It often targets countries with significant ideological differences or conflicts in values. Among these countries, young people and socially marginalized groups are the core target audience. On one hand, young people love music, are open to new experiences, have not yet established fixed values, and their thoughts will influence the future direction of the country. Focusing on them greatly enhances the effectiveness and longevity of America's ideological outreach. On the other hand, young people are full of rebellion; preachy propaganda can backfire, while the anti-establishment nature of Jazz, rock music, and hip-hop allows them to vent their feelings and find resonance through music."
"It seems to be that way," Qiluo Ling thought for a moment and nodded.
"For example, during the Cold War, Jazz diplomacy saw schools and areas where young people gathered as primary venues for performances. Various popular music infiltrated youth culture through 'European Voice of Freedom,' '********,' and 'Luxembourg Sound,' infuriating communist regimes in different countries. The interaction between musicians and young people facilitated a more open and free sharing of culture and ideas. In the history of American public diplomacy, when relations with other countries were at a freezing point (or unfriendly), music often acted as a 'political vanguard,' conveying messages that politics could neither articulate nor ignore. As the saying goes, 'When political parties fall silent, it is the time for artists to take the stage.' Today, as China faces a complex public diplomacy landscape, determining core and strategic audiences and developing different musical diplomacy strategies requires further contemplation."
"Your research is very profound," Qiluo Ling praised with a nod.
Professor Chen smiled and said, "Similarly, the era of humanity is closely intertwined with the development of music. I conduct research in this area and have noticed a phenomenon."
"What phenomenon?"
"I've found that each era has its own music, and conversely, every type of music has its historical context. In every kind of music, you can hear the voice of that era and perceive its political culture. For instance, during World War II in Germany and Japan, as well as during China's **** period, people became so irrationally crazy; the music of that time seemed cursed by Satan."
After saying this, Professor Chen gave her a strange smile. At that moment, she suddenly noticed a shadowy gloom on his face, which stirred an inexplicable unease within her.
Professor Chen glanced at his watch and said, "It's about time; I have to leave for something. If you have any further questions, feel free to come to school to find me."
"Thank you for your time. I'm sorry to have disturbed you. It was nice meeting you," Qiluo Ling replied.
The two briefly shook hands before parting ways at the campus entrance, each heading in their own direction.
Comment 0 Comment Count