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A review by nemleh
Wolf Totem by Jiang Rong
4.0
This writing is an atmospheric masterpiece. The book takes you to inner-Mongolia in the 1950s as groups of Beijing students are sent there. It is not written from a Mongol-self-centered perspective. It is written for outsiders, by an outsider. The traditional Mongolian nomad is no more.
There are several themes present in this novel, I'd like to reflect on some
1- The Nomads' relationship with the Divine and with other creatures, from grass seeds to carnivores; their awareness of being another link in the chain, and how it shaped their perspectives and actions accordingly.
Business people love to talk about the newfound mantra "cradle to cradle", but we could still learn plenty from traditional Mongols.
2- The Han Chinese (often in positions of power) enforced their self-righteous ways on the grassland. Civilizations' contempt of nomads is nothing new, and it can be found across the planet. But I specifically mention the Han Chinese for priding themselves on advancements in knowledge in both science and philosophy since Confucian times. However, one has to wonder if Confucius's principles benevolence, righteousness, and propriety were given any thought in managing this territory and its people.
3- I was struck by many parallels between the Mongolian Nomads and Arab Nomads, and also between the first civilized generations of each. This review is getting too long to elaborate.
There are several themes present in this novel, I'd like to reflect on some
1- The Nomads' relationship with the Divine and with other creatures, from grass seeds to carnivores; their awareness of being another link in the chain, and how it shaped their perspectives and actions accordingly.
Business people love to talk about the newfound mantra "cradle to cradle", but we could still learn plenty from traditional Mongols.
2- The Han Chinese (often in positions of power) enforced their self-righteous ways on the grassland. Civilizations' contempt of nomads is nothing new, and it can be found across the planet. But I specifically mention the Han Chinese for priding themselves on advancements in knowledge in both science and philosophy since Confucian times. However, one has to wonder if Confucius's principles benevolence, righteousness, and propriety were given any thought in managing this territory and its people.
3- I was struck by many parallels between the Mongolian Nomads and Arab Nomads, and also between the first civilized generations of each. This review is getting too long to elaborate.