Gao Xiaosong apologized for his erroneous remarks, revealed the reason for his weight loss, and only slept for 40 minutes when he suffered from severe depression
Recently, Gao Xiaosong, a well-known cultural person, has attracted widespread attention. The reason is that actor Pan Jie pointed out that Gao Xiaosong made some inaccurate descriptions and comments about her family's historical background in a previous talk show "Xiao Shuo".
This accusation has aroused the attention and heated discussion of public opinion. In the end, Gao Xiaosong took the initiative to apologize to Pan Jie, and said that he had been under great pressure in recent years, resulting in severe depression and could only sleep 40 minutes a day.
This incident once again highlights the fragility of Gao Xiaosong's image as an "intellectual". Over the years, with his cultural accumulation and excellent expression skills, he has successfully created the image of a "talented man" and has been widely sought after.
However, as time went on, some of his views and remarks gradually revealed problems. Especially when it comes to some serious historical and social issues, his remarks are often seriously flawed and biased. This also made his originally glamorous intellectual image gradually questioned and challenged.
And this erroneous remarks against Pan Jie's family undoubtedly further weakened Gao Xiaosong's public image. He had to take the initiative to apologize and reveal that he suffered from severe depression, which shows the huge pressure in his heart.
This incident makes us wonder what is the definition and criterion for judging intellectuals in today's society, what are the social responsibilities they should undertake, and what kind of enlightenment does Gao Xiaosong's experience give us?
1. Gao Xiaosong's image as an intellectual is questioned
As a well-known cultural figure, Gao Xiaosong has long been regarded as a typical representative of "intellectuals". He was born in a scholarly family, received high-quality educational resources since he was a child, and after being admitted to Tsinghua University, he made great progress all the way, which can be described as the elite of the elite.
It is with this background and experience, coupled with excellent expression and communication skills, that Gao Xiaosong has successfully shaped his image as an "intellectual" and has a wide range of influence in various cultural and artistic fields.
In particular, the talk show "Xiao Shuo" hosted by him has made him the most representative "cultural celebrity" at the moment. In this program, Gao Xiaosong is always able to talk about various knowledge in the fields of history, culture, art, etc., and has a "knowledgeable" demeanor.
Many viewers also have admiration and fascination with Gao Xiaosong because of this. In their eyes, this "intellectual" from a well-known family and profound knowledge undoubtedly represents the highest level of cultural literacy and ideological character.
However, as time went on, Gao's remarks and opinions began to reveal some problems. Especially when it comes to sensitive topics such as history and politics, some of his remarks are often seriously flawed and biased, and even contradict the facts.
In addition, Gao Xiaosong also openly visited the Yasukuni Shrine and "waved the flag and shouted" for the United States, Japan, and other countries, which also shook his original image as an intellectual to a certain extent.
At the end of August 2021, the Chinese Academy of History also publicly criticized Gao Xiaosong's "strange talk and fallacy, nihilistic history". The incident further damaged Gao's public image, and his glamorous "intellectual" label faded at this time.
Subsequently, Gao Xiaosong's talk shows and writings were removed and banned, which shows that he has been excluded from the mainstream cultural circle to a certain extent.
Second, Gao Xiaosong's apology reveals inner pressure
In the follow-up development of this incident, the most eye-catching is undoubtedly Gao Xiaosong's initiative to apologize.
This has to be shocking. After all, as a figure who has long been regarded as a representative of "intellectuals", it is rare to be able to admit his mistakes so frankly and take the initiative to apologize to others.
What's even more surprising is that in the process of apologizing, Gao Xiaosong also revealed his severe depression symptoms. He said that in recent years, he has been under tremendous pressure, resulting in only 40 minutes of sleep a day, and his body is very thin.
This undoubtedly expresses Gao Xiaosong's deep anxiety and torment. As a once highly sought-after cultural person, he is now the target of public criticism, which undoubtedly has had a huge impact on his body and mind.
On the surface, the reason why Gao Xiaosong made such an apology and self-exposure is undoubtedly related to the huge public opinion pressure he has received. After all, after being pointed out as incorrect in his historical commentary on Pan Jie's family, his image as an intellectual was once again seriously questioned, which undoubtedly made him feel unprecedented pressure.
But on a deeper level, Gao Xiaosong's move may also reflect some complex psychology in his heart. As an elite who has been nourished by high-quality educational resources since childhood, he has long been regarded as a representative of "intellectuals".
However, when this exalted status is questioned, he will undoubtedly find it difficult to accept. After all, it's not just about his public image, it's also about his self-perception. Once these widely recognized labels are impacted, he is likely to feel lost and dazed, and even develop serious self-doubt.
As a result, Gao Xiaosong's self-exposure of depressive symptoms appeared. This is undoubtedly his attempt to rebuild his damaged image as an intellectual by arousing public sympathy. But the problem is that even if he is understood and sympathized, it is difficult to completely eliminate the pressure and distress in his heart.
After all, for a person who has long been regarded as a "cultural celebrity", once this status is questioned, it may be difficult to return to the way it was before. What's more, some of Gao Xiaosong's remarks
3. The social responsibility of intellectuals
Gao Xiaosong's experience has undoubtedly once again triggered people's reflection on the social responsibility of intellectuals. As a figure who has long been regarded as a "cultural celebrity", he should bear more social responsibility and moral responsibility.
However, in real life, we have seen some disappointing words and deeds of Gao Xiaosong. There are serious biases and mistakes in his commentary on historical and social issues, and there are even behaviors that violate the bottom line of morality, which undoubtedly greatly deviates from the proper image of intellectuals.
The reason for this may be that Gao Xiaosong is too obsessed with his image as a "genius" and ignores his responsibilities and obligations as an intellectual. He is more immersed in his own sense of cultural superiority than in the realities of society.
This also fully exposes the ambiguity of the definition and evaluation criteria of intellectuals in the current society. It is undoubtedly biased to blindly worship the so-called "erudition" while ignoring the leading role they should play in society.
We should realize that true intellectuals are not only people with rich knowledge, but also people who can use their knowledge to serve society and spread positive energy. They must adhere to the moral bottom line, demonstrate social responsibility, and become an example of leading social progress.
As Pan Jie said, the good use of art is enough to save the country, and the misuse of art is tempting and degenerating. This applies not only to artists, but also to all intellectuals. They should always be mindful of their social responsibilities and use their knowledge to promote social progress, instead of drowning in vanity and fame.
Gao Xiaosong's experience is undoubtedly a warning. As a figure who was once regarded as a representative of intellectuals, his erroneous remarks and actions not only damaged his own image, but also cast a shadow on the entire group of intellectuals. This also makes people ponder, what should be the definition and evaluation criteria for intellectuals in contemporary society?
We should move away from the simple label of "genius" and focus more on the role that intellectuals should play in society. They should become the guides of society, use their knowledge and wisdom to promote social progress and spread positive energy, instead of becoming a "big fool" on paper.
Only in this way can we truly respect and understand intellectuals and allow them to play their due role in society. This is not only about the status of the intellectuals themselves, but also about the direction of progress of society as a whole. Gao Xiaosong's experience has given us a good inspiration, and I hope we can learn from it and create a healthier environment for intellectuals.