Why I Designed the "Still Books" Theme
In 2019, I read two books: To Live and The Miracles of the Namiya General Store. After that, a seed of love for literature was planted.
Before this, I had never read any extracurricular literature.
Mainly because compulsory education Chinese classes crushed me. I grew up believing I was terrible at Chinese, so I shouldn’t even think about reading books.
After university, I finally had a lot of time to read, so I searched for reading lists and read what I liked.
I suddenly realized that literature and Chinese class are not the same thing at all.
Reading Doesn’t Force Me to Ask What It Means
Reading doesn’t force me to analyze what the author is trying to express.
When we were young, we were taught:
There are a thousand Hamlets in a thousand people’s eyes.
But Chinese exams only have one correct answer and require us to analyze from every angle.
But literature tells me who I am. I can choose what I like, experience the meaning myself, and find my own reflection in it.
Why Read
I think the biggest role of reading is to find your own reflection and empathy in books.
We Are All on the Same Road
No matter what you’re facing or what situation you’re in, there will be someone in a book who’s in the same place.
You might be Ah Q, always comforting and deceiving yourself.
You might be hesitating between the moon and sixpence, looking back and forth, trying to build a so-called good life, while the protagonist in the book throws everything away to chase the moon.
You might be Schopenhauer, having your own ideas about life and feeling out of place, but finding your thoughts mirrored by the author.
You might be an adult reading The Little Prince, thinking of your younger self and realizing that you seem to have gotten lost.
The “Still Books” Theme
Compared to Nexmoe, this theme has fewer shadows, blur, and colorful colors, but colorfulness appears in book covers. There aren’t many images; the theme focuses on text most of all.
Romanticism Hidden in the Design
More thinking, fewer images. I believe this theme should carry a sense of romanticism, and also the spirit of a practitioner.
When you’re young, you’re more idealistic-you believe that if you work hard, your dreams will come true, that everything should move toward the good. You believe everything is fair. But reality isn’t like that.
After being hit by reality and seeing it clearly, does that mean I should adopt a “can’t beat them, join them” mindset, become a realist, and comfort myself with “that’s just how the world is”?
The romanticism I believe in should be courageous. It has the courage to face reality, yet does not give up the pursuit of ideals and beauty.
I believe the “Still Books” theme should carry this romanticism. Less fantasy, more reflection and progress. But still a deep love for life.
Why I Designed This Theme
After reading the above, it’s easy to understand.
In short:
- Love for books
- Love for words
- Love for thinking
- Love for life