Summary of the Core Content
This is an in-depth interview with Cheng Lesong, the head of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Peking University, conducted by the WeChat public account “Intellectuals.” The interview focuses on his newly released book, “Leaving Space” (留白), which took him 11 years to complete. This book is far from the sort of fluffy, inspirational essay that the general public might expect; instead, it is highly practical and relevant to contemporary issues. Eleven years ago, the whole society was eager to seize the benefits of the times, and no one felt the need to “leave space” in their lives, fearing that missing a step would mean missing out on opportunities. It was only in recent years, with the widespread sense of competition and the tendency to fill every minute of life with plans, that people began to realize the futility of this approach. This accessible philosophy book, which took years to write, precisely targets the emotional pain points of today’s society. Without using any complex theories, it uses the traditional Chinese concept of “leaving space” to help ordinary people see through the illusion of a single standard of success and find a sense of coherence that is not bound by external expectations.
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Popular Explanation of Key Points
1. Why Did It Take 11 Years to Publish “Leaving Space”?
The reason it took so long to publish is not that the author was lazy; rather, the society of 11 years ago simply did not need such a book. Cheng Lesong explained that the outline for the book was written years ago, but no one took him seriously because people were not thinking about issues like “limited life” or “inner balance” at that time. The overall mood of the era had changed significantly. Back then, all industries were growing rapidly, and as long as you were willing to push forward and seize opportunities, you had a good chance of reaping the benefits of the times. No one thought about “taking a break to create some space.” Cheng Lesong himself was too busy with various projects and administrative tasks to find the time to write the book.
It wasn’t until recent years that people realized they could no longer keep up with the pace. Even graduates from top universities were struggling to find the good jobs they expected, and even with perfectly scheduled days, they couldn’t keep up with the rapid changes in the industry. Only then did people realize that even with meticulous planning, they might not achieve their goals. The concept of “leaving space” suddenly struck a chord with many, as it reflected years of Cheng Lesong’s contemplation and finally found the right audience.
2. The “Perfect Life Path” Based on Others’ Experiences Is an Illusion
The anxiety of many young people today stems from confusing two types of “certainties.” In school, we learn that 1+1 always equals 2, and this kind of “calculated certainty” is applied to our lives. However, in real life, there are three things you cannot control: your own emotions and perceptions, what others think, and unexpected external events. The courses you choose based on others’ experiences might be particularly challenging if the teacher is going through a personal loss, or your internship or job prospects might change dramatically by the time you graduate. If you insist on following a pre-determined path, you’ll end up with disappointment and confusion. The authors of those experience guides didn’t intend to deceive you; everyone’s life is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all standard.
3. The “Anti-Elite” Movement Is Misdirected; We Need a Form of “Small Elite Idealism”
Many people are averse to the term “elite,” associating it with privilege and hierarchy. But Cheng Lesong believes this aversion reflects a misunderstanding of what eliteism truly means. True eliteism is about idealism—people like Hai Rui and Wen Tianxiang in history acted out of their beliefs and a sense of duty, not for personal gain. For ordinary people, this doesn’t mean making dramatic changes; if you enjoy gardening, just do it for the joy of it, not to show off on social media. If you love cooking, focus on the details, not to become a food blogger. This kind of pursuit, driven by personal interests rather than external standards, is a form of idealism. With this, you won’t be bound by a single standard like “earning a million a year” or “working at a large company.”
4. The “Leaving Space” Concept in Chinese Art Is Not Just Artistic Finess; It’s a Solution to Chinese People’s Anxiety
Cheng Lesong uses the example of traditional Chinese landscape paintings to explain the concept of “leaving space.” In Western paintings, the canvas is filled to the brim, while in Chinese paintings, a large blank space is intentionally left. This blank space has two practical meanings: first, it acknowledges our limitations—the world is vast and we are small, and we can’t control everything. Accepting our limitations prevents us from self-doubt when things don’t go as planned. Second, the empty space allows for new possibilities. If you fill every minute of your day with tasks, you may become overwhelmed; the blank space gives you room to find joy in life. As his grandmother said, “Ordinary people have worries, but why try to eliminate them all?” Accepting these worries is part of life, and it can bring relief.
5. Stop Asking “What Is the Meaning of Life”; Focus on the Small Things You Do
The widespread talk about “lack of meaning” and “nihilism” often stems from a superficial approach to life. People try many things but never delve deeply into them. For example, they watch hundreds of food videos but never cook a meal themselves or think about the design of video games. If you let go of the idea of achieving success according to external standards, you’ll find more meaning in the small things you do. Cheng Lesong believes it’s fine for children to achieve nothing by traditional standards as long as they don’t harm others. You don’t have to become a successful person in the eyes of others; enjoying what you do is enough to give meaning to your life. The AI industry is seeking philosophers because it can handle many aspects of life, but it can’t understand the subtle aspects of human emotions and hobbies. These intangible aspects are the “leaving space” in our lives, what makes us unique as individuals.
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This translation maintains the structure and tone of the original Chinese text, using natural and financial journalism language that resonates with the target audience.