On Su Shi's Life Philosophy and Historical CritiqueAn Interpretation of Random Jottings of Dongpo

Following his demotion to Huangzhou in 1081, the fourth year of the Yuanfeng era in the Northern Song dynasty, Su Shi experienced a profound shift in his worldview. During this period, he began writing a series of essays capturing his diverse thoughts and observations. These writings were later compiled posthumously into the five-volume Random Jottings of Dongpo. The collection conveys Su Shi's deep understanding of human nature, his philosophical outlook on life, his acceptance of fate, his insights into health and well-being, and his retrospective critiques of historical figures. Random Jottings of Dongpo offers a window into Su Shi's genuine character and life philosophy, encapsulating his nuanced and thoughtful reflections on life. Its enduring relevance invites fresh interpretation and analysis.