讀後心得

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. In the shadow of contemporary wars, reflecting on the history of World War II can be understood through reading. Hu Lancheng, as an intellectual of that time, offered many unique insights that are worth re-examining. He defended Wang Jingwei, suggesting that surrender and seeking peace is also a form of freedom of speech, a viewpoint that continues to spark discussion today. Hu Lancheng not only criticized the traditional international political landscape but also foresaw the future dynamics between the United States and the Soviet Union, which is admirable. His writing is beautiful, and he has a broad mind, with a profound understanding of Chinese culture. However, his political views often became lost in the chaos of war. Even when feeling helpless about the war, Hu Lancheng maintained a clear awareness of the situation. The author, through the lens of corporate creation, reflects on the intersection of tradition and modernity, and is preparing to publish a new book titled "The Last Taiwanese Executive."

This year marks the eightieth anniversary of the end of World War II. In 2025, the world seems restless, and war has once again become an ever-expanding nightmare beyond history textbooks. Looking back at the history of World War II, reading is a great way to reflect. The author first thinks of 胡蘭成 because war is not just a matter of declarations from leaders and military figures; it is also about the insights of scholars who did not take part in the fighting. When mentioning 胡蘭成, many people in Taiwan may be aware of his "traitor" relationship with 張愛玲, and literary enthusiasts may recognize him as the spiritual mentor of the 三三 literary group, but few have read his political commentaries. During an era of East-West cultural clashes, many of his arguments were indeed unique insights in the Chinese-speaking world. Here are a few examples to encourage literary friends.

• 胡蘭成 was the first to defend Wang Jingwei on the grounds of freedom of speech. In 1939, he wrote: "Democracy values freedom of speech; before the war, those who speak of war are guilty, and before peace arises, those who speak of peace are also guilty; this is all pathological." He stood up to defend Wang Jingwei at the beginning of the Second Sino-Japanese War, believing that surrendering for peace was also an embodiment of freedom of speech. This statement bears a resemblance to the recent joint statement of 76 scholars, who argued that the Mainland Affairs Council's cancellation of residency permits for pro-unification Mainland internet celebrities and enforcement of deportation constitutes an infringement on freedom of speech, pointing out that Taiwan's democratic rule of law is under serious threat. 胡蘭成 introduced the concept of freedom of speech to the discussion over 80 years ago, undoubtedly making him a pioneer in the Chinese-speaking world.

• 胡蘭成's understanding of international politics surpassed many contemporaries. In 1938, he predicted that "this is a war for the redivision of world colonies," which would ultimately lead to victory for the United States. The analysis of the Ukrainian war by the 76 scholars similarly took into account factors of the international structure and expressed the view that the war could have been avoided. 胡蘭成 believed that striving for diplomatic initiative and choosing the right moment for peaceful resolution was far wiser than merely taking the option of fierce resistance, with both perspectives being remarkably consistent over 80 years later.

• 胡蘭成 also had his unique insights in literature. He described Chinese culture as "the Song of Striking the Earth," and in his heart, the classical scenery of Chinese rites and music was not without basis. He expressed hope that tradition could be integrated into reality and critically pointed out the inconsistency of the Communist Party's words and actions, with sharp rhetoric. 胡蘭成's influence even extended to later literary circles, and it is astonishing how he understood and critiqued Chinese culture.

• On the eve of the Allied victory in 1945, 胡蘭成 lamented: "Thinking of the ongoing wars in China and all over the world, it is truly boring." His reflections demonstrate a contradiction between rationality and emotion, yet they are not without profound insights into the situation. As early as 1939, he predicted that the United States would extend the Monroe Doctrine to the Pacific, and these analyses remain thought-provoking to this day.

These are the complex facets of 胡蘭成, both muddled and clear, eliciting both hatred and intrigue. His viewpoints still hold enlightening qualities even today, and scholars cannot overlook them. This article is written by a writer with a background as both a journalist and a businessman for many years, who has deeply realized the precious brilliance of culture and the parallel development of industries during his experiences from being stationed in China to Silicon Valley, and is preparing a new book titled "The Last Taiwanese Executive."