《抱朴子外篇》Vol. 40

The square and round shapes between heaven and earth were not formed by compasses and rulers; the radiance of sun, moon, and stars does not shine through polishing; the vibrant blossoms of spring do not result from artificial dyeing, nor does the fragrance of aromatic herbs come from perfuming. Truly precious things all originate from natural essence. The principles of refined writing appear unique precisely because they are rare, and words stand out as elegant when they transcend convention. Yet surveying past and present, those capable of composing transcendent writings are few—most merely imitate the words of predecessors. Why is this?

Ge Hong (Baopuzi) said: Pure and refined music is valued for its harmonious tones, while excellent writings emphasize the meticulous analysis of subtle principles. Just as various musical instruments differ in form but share fundamental harmonies, and splendid garments vary in patterns yet coordinate in colors, writings may differ in style but all possess primary and secondary elements, distinctions between superior and inferior. It resembles how musical compositions have no fixed arrangement, nor do master chefs follow rigid recipes. Though the mountains may be piled high with catalpa and camphorwood, without a craftsman like Lu Ban they cannot be fashioned into fine vessels; though books may be as vast as the sea, without talent one cannot extract their essence. Why must one seek exotic timber from a thousand miles away to build great halls? Why must one rely on ghostly utterances to compose writings?

Ge Hong continued: Human talents vary in height and depth, thoughts differ in profundity. Though all engage in writing, their levels are uneven. Some possess sweeping literary vision yet lack depth; others have substantial content but clumsy phrasing, violating reason yet considering themselves meritorious. These all manifest partial talents, not comprehensive mastery. Lacking self-awareness yet insisting on universal competence is like assigning unsuitable tasks to unqualified people—inevitably inviting ridicule.

Ge Hong further illustrated: Only when the five flavors harmonize does sweetness emerge; only when multiple colors combine does brilliance intensify. Yet people often favor what resembles themselves and disdain what differs. Evaluating writing is particularly difficult—if one judges solely by what pleases the ear and heart, how can they appreciate the sublime wonder of the "Ninefold" music that makes one forget taste, or the majestic style of the "Ya" and "Song" odes? It is like understanding only how to compare the saltiness of brine or sourness of plums, yet failing to grasp the ultimate flavor of the grand sacrificial broth (taigeng); like admiring the nimbleness of floating clouds while overlooking the vast profundity of deep abysses. Outstanding works transcend conventions, while mediocre ones remain trapped by them—just as birds fly at differing heights due to wing strength, and horses run at varying speeds according to hoof power. Writing values rich diversity—why force uniform consensus? If one cannot rectify today's trend of florid exaggeration, at least refrain from adding momentum to the wave.

This passage discusses the principles of reclusion and helping the world. Those who withdraw from mundane affairs and attain profound wisdom, though capable of aiding the impoverished, are like spring blossoms that cannot serve as sustenance or fragrant herbs that provide no warmth against the cold—they fail to address fundamental issues.

The ancients composed poetry to critique faults, thus creating works of value. Contemporary poets, however, chase empty fame through their verses, rendering them harmful rather than beneficial.

The Master Who Embraces Simplicity (Ge Hong's self-reference) observes that writers commonly exhibit flaws: some compose overly abstruse texts laden with excessive metaphors—unwilling to edit them despite their verbosity; others produce shallow writings adorned with ornate rhetoric yet devoid of substance, like splendid exteriors concealing feeble frameworks. Truly exemplary writing should radiate like the sun, moon, and stars while maintaining unfathomable depth akin to abyssal waters. By meticulously observing human affairs and comprehensively grasping statecraft, even humble authors can create works that endure through the ages.