About Lu You
1125 - 1210
Biography
Biography
Lu You (1125-1210), courtesy name Wuguan, literary name Fanweng, was a famous patriotic poet of the Southern Song Dynasty. Born in Shanyin, Yuezhou (present-day Shaoxing, Zhejiang) into an official family. He devoted his life to recovering the Central Plains but had an unsuccessful career and was demoted multiple times. He served in Sichuan for eight years, an experience that significantly influenced his poetry. In his later years, he lived in seclusion in his hometown but still cared about national affairs, never forgetting his ideal of recovering lost territories until death. He lived to 85, the longest-lived poet of the Song Dynasty.
Philosophical System
Philosophical System
Lu You's thoughts centered on strong patriotism with deep Confucian concern for country and people. He insisted on the political ideal of resisting Jin and recovering the country, opposing compromise and surrender. He was also influenced by Taoist thought, finding solace in nature when politically frustrated and pursuing spiritual transcendence. In his later years, he increasingly embodied Buddhist spiritual thoughts. His poetry reflected the responsibility of "though humble in position, dare not forget concern for country" and the optimistic spirit of "when mountains and rivers seem to block the way, willows and flowers herald another village."
Major Works
Major Works
Representative works include "Showing My Son," "Visiting a Village in Shanxi," "Divination Song: Ode to Plum Blossoms," "Book of Indignation," "Early Clear Weather After Spring Rain in Lin'an," "Feeling at Dawn Going Out the Gate to Welcome Cool Air," etc. Over 9,300 poems survive, the most among ancient Chinese poets. His poetry is rich in content, including passionate patriotic poems, fresh pastoral works, and profound philosophical pieces.
Historical Significance
Historical Significance
Lu You was the most outstanding patriotic poet of the Southern Song Dynasty, ranking among the top in terms of poetry quantity among ancient Chinese poets. He inherited Du Fu's realist tradition while having distinct characteristics of his era. Lu You's patriotic poetry inspired countless later generations and became an important component of the Chinese national spirit. His poetic artistic achievements were also high, earning him the title "Little Li Bai." Lu You's character and poetic quality are highly revered by later generations.
Cultural Influence
Cultural Influence
Lu You is praised as a model of "patriotic poets," whose patriotic spirit and poetic achievements influenced Chinese literature for hundreds of years. Poets throughout history learned patriotic sentiment and realist spirit from Lu You. Lu You's poetry is widely recited, with famous pieces like "Showing My Son" becoming classics. In modern times, Lu You remains one of the most respected ancient poets, and his patriotic spirit still has important educational significance in the new era.
Key Concepts
Key Concepts
Patriotism (core thought), resisting Jin and recovering country (political ideal), though humble dare not forget concern for country (responsibility), mountains and rivers block the way but willows herald another village (life philosophy), realism (creative style), concern for country and people (emotional tone), showing son the last will (spiritual inheritance)
Quotes by Lu You
Explore the essence of this wise thinker's thoughts
What is learned from books is ultimately superficial; true understanding comes only through personal practice.
纸上得来终觉浅，绝知此事要躬行
Source: Winter Night Reading to My Son Yù
When mountains and rivers seem to block the way, suddenly willows and flowers reveal another village.
山重水复疑无路，柳暗花明又一村。
Source: A Visit to the West Village