"13 Invitations 3: We are all footnotes to big problems" Author: Xu Zhiyuan Publisher: Guangxi Normal University Press

Introduction · · · · · ·
◎ Editor's Recommendation

★ More than 10 writers and intellectuals who have profoundly influenced the times collectively appeared in the annual masterpiece of the phenomenal interview program "13 Invitations" - the intellectual album; planned/created by Xu Zhiyuan, and recommended by Chen Chong as the preface:

The total number of views of "13 Invitations" has exceeded 1.3 billion, and it has triggered a series of nationwide discussions that have broken the circle. It is currently a talk show with great influence and excellent reputation in China. The book version of "13 Invitations" is the first collection of all the content of the four seasons, breaking the four seasons and re-dividing the themes.

The characters in this album include more than 10 writers and scholars such as Xu Zhuoyun, Pai Hsien-yung, Chen Jiaying, Wang Xiaobo, Jin Yucheng, Tang Nuo, Chen Zhiwu, Xi Chuan, Xu Hong, Xiang Biao, and Harari, which can be called a knowledge feast of the era.

★ When intellectuals meet Xu Zhiyuan, from aesthetic resonance to the reconstruction of the knowledge community, the observation of the times is presented as a broader and deeper expression

The interviewees are all from our time, they have their own unique life experiences and insights, so they are interesting; from the interviews, we can see that they are either humble, free and easy, or affectionate, with different styles, so it is interesting; they sigh for the same passing and rejoice for the same spirit, so they have the same warmth: they all care about the vast destiny of mankind and throw themselves into it without hesitation.

★ Establish a new paradigm for character interviews, use individuals as samples, and explore the infinite possibilities of intellectual life:

As an "intellectual fellow traveler", Xu Zhiyuan dialogues with more than 10 iconic intellectuals of our time, covering the fields of literature, history, philosophy, archaeology, economics, anthropology, etc., exploring the humanities and truth-seeking, questioning the meaning and value; he also settles himself, observes the world, and finds the power of spiritual life through constant dialogue.

★ "13 Invitations" reconstructs the spirit of dialogue in a fragmented era and greatly expands the possibilities of intellectuals:

What does dialogue really mean? In 13 Invitations, Xu Zhiyuan skillfully weaves together his personal thoughts, the spirit of the times and many characters through dialogue, which is both cross-border and free, and builds the most grand dialogue feast of our time so far: from the perspective of each character, cutting into historical and current issues, starting from each precious personal experience, reaching a wider world.

★ A completely different reading aesthetic from the video: the conversation took 4 years, the manuscript polishing took 1 year, and the content volume far exceeds the program presentation;

Compared with the edited video, the book version of "13 Invitations" presents the interview content more delicately and comprehensively, recording many wonderful moments that could not be presented in the video;

The guest's personal chronology + interview video QR code + a large number of new annotations + on-site photos build a more in-depth reading scene;

Xu Zhiyuan examines the relationship with each interlocutor and writes a key character profile, which can also be regarded as a guide before entering the interview

Through books, a more human medium, readers will no longer be just spectators of the conversation, but deep participants.

★ Easter egg! Wang Xiaobo special episode, Li Yinhe and others fondly remember Xiaobo;

Special Edition on Tan Sitong, historians and young people’s moving interpretations of Tan Sitong from various angles!

Xu Zhuoyun’s wife Sun Manli talks about interesting things in her married life. This 6,000-word article is released for the first time, allowing you to get to know a different Xu Zhuoyun.

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◎【Celebrity/Media Recommendation】

The program you make (13 Invitations) can be disseminated through the Internet and can replace school education. I hope more people will do it to spread knowledge, stimulate thoughts, and guide the trend.

——Xu Zhuoyun (historian)

As a viewer, 13 Invitations allowed me to see a series of interesting minds; as an interviewee, 13 Invitations allowed me to directly enter into public discussions and opened up new space for thinking.

——Xiang Biao (anthropologist)

13 Invitations has a huge impact, and it has received a lot of criticism, which is normal. I like that Xu Zhiyuan is not afraid to show himself, including his weaknesses, which I think is also what a sincere dialogue should be.

——Chen Jiaying (philosopher)

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◎【Content Introduction】

How to save oneself in contemporary life? Historian Xu Zhuoyun talks about the freedom of the human heart;

How to rediscover the lost "nearby" in our lives? Anthropologist Xiang Biao provides new understandings and suggestions;

What is it like to be a philosopher in this era? Chen Jiaying reveals her personal experience and desire for truth;

What to do when you are powerless against reality? Tang Nuo tells the story of his own struggle and the eternity of writing.

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Xu Zhiyuan had in-depth conversations with more than 10 heavyweight writers and scholars at home and abroad, and compiled them into a precious interview record of contemporary humanities. From Xu Zhuoyun to Pai Xianyong, from Jin Yucheng to Harari, across nationalities and times, covering literature, history, philosophy, archaeology, economics, anthropology and other fields, exploring many topics from individuals to society, and creating an informative, interesting and warm interview record. The wisdom, anger and extreme words they said all came from the same pulse: concern for the vast destiny of mankind. In today's world where traffic is supreme, technology is shrouded, and humanism is in retreat, such an untimely spirit has been missing for a long time.

——"When do you think this confusion of values ​​will pass?

——"You need to be able to breathe freely inside, to be able to hold your head up and say, 'I'm not afraid of this, I'm not afraid of that.' You need to have a free mind and an open heart."