People question the nutrition of fast food version of Chinese classics

gzlaser

FAST-FOOD can be for the mind as well as for the stomach. This is the case with the \"fast-food\" version of Chinese classics.

The media coined the phrase to explain the recent phenomenon of interpreting complicated traditional ideas in simple words for the public's quick understanding.

In the simplification process, ideas are condensed so that only the essence remains. This is the fast-food part. Similarly, it may not be as healthy as a properly cooked meal, but it does have some essential nutrition.

The notion of the Chinese classics (or guoxue) developed in the late 19th to the early 20th century. It included a comprehensive collection of traditional Chinese works on literature, religion, history and philosophy.

Then Chinese classics entered a period of decline after the influx of foreign ideas, but have begun returning with vigor in recent years. Yu Dan has helped fuel the trend with her own \"fast-food\" version.

In her TV lectures, the Beijing Normal University professor taught The Analects of Confucius, the Chinese \"Bible\", in seven 45-minute sessions. She used simple language, her own interpretation and some up-to-date examples to help people understand.

Not surprisingly, some people doubted the value of Yu's style of stir-fried ideas. They found her teaching misleading and not only not nutritional, but harmful. Some ideas were even found to be wrong.

\"Yu's fast-food way of teaching is forcing Chinese classics into a new crisis,\" 10 Chinese classics doctorate students complained in a recent statement.

\"eople need a careful reading of the original text and deep reflection to get a real understanding,\" they said.