Literature is about doing things in life that one dare not or cannot do in their works.
——Author and Nobel Prize winner Mo Yan

Literature originates from reality. Although the protagonists appear to be fictional characters, they are all artistic reflections of reality. Reading literature can enrich our life experiences and make us aware of the diversity of life. When we stand at the crossroads of fate, classic literature can teach us how to make choices in similar situations. The reason why literary classics are classics is not only because they tell touching stories, advocate noble values, and showcase superb art, but also because their works contain more values and wisdom that can transcend time.
——Professor Luo Xiang from the School of Criminal Justice, China University of Political Science and Law

What is literature used for? It's about giving us courage, when you're feeling particularly down, it gives you courage to carry on, and when you're already successful, it then brings you a fresh flower.
——Professor Kang Zhen from the School of Literature at Beijing Normal University, lecturer at the "Hundred Lectures" and guest judge at the "Chinese Poetry Competition"

Reading more books naturally changes one's appearance. Many times, one may think that many books they have read have become fleeting and forgotten, but in fact, they are still latent. In temperament, in speech, in boundless breadth of mind, of course, it may also be revealed in life and words.
——Writer Sanmao

★ A History Series for the General Reader—Devour Humanity’s Glorious Culture in One Sitting!
History + Literature + Philosophy, Spanning Ancient to Modern Times

★ 365 Days of Discovery—Grow Your Knowledge Effortlessly!
Detailed Annotations & Analysis for barrier-free reading
"One Theme Per Day" format—each piece takes just 2-3 minutes to complete
Through this 365-day reading journey, readers will systematically explore the evolution of global literature while enhancing literary appreciation and aesthetic sensibility

★ Masterpieces of Poetry · Finest Essays · Classic Novels · Iconic Plays—Curated selections of timeless works by celebrated authors across civilizations!

★ To Read Literature is to Live Others’ Stories—and Awaken Your Own Life’s Wisdom.

The "365-Day Casual Reading Series" includes 3 volumes:
"365 Days of History"
"365 Days of Literature"
"365 Days of Philosophy"

Why Should We Read Literature?
To gaze at the moon and recite "The moon emerges luminous over the ocean; Across the world, we share this very moment." instead of merely exclaiming, "The moon is bright tonight."
To witness the sunset and murmur "A slanting sunbeam dyes the water; Half the river green, half in crimson glow" rather than simply stating, "The sunset looks nice."
To stand atop a mountain and declare "I must ascend the mountain’s crest; It dwarfs all peaks under my feet" instead of blurting, "This mountain is so high!"
To broaden our horizons to encompass the world—to encounter richer experiences and a better version of ourselves.
To feel the vitality pulsating through every literary classic, empowering the disheartened and urging the pessimistic forward.
Every reader is a radiant stroke in the tapestry of life.

This anthology brings together timeless literary masterpieces from across the globe, spanning poetry, essays, novels, and drama. Organized into four sections—Poetic Gems, Prose Treasures, Fictional Masterworks, and Theatrical Classics—it features widely celebrated works renowned for their enduring appeal, diverse styles, and vast historical reach.

Beyond presenting the context and content of these classics, the book offers accessible yet profound analyses of their literary merit and artistic brilliance. With one piece per day, let literature and poetry grace your daily life—inspiring reflection, awakening insight, and illuminating the path ahead.

365 day Classic Reading Editorial Board

Its members are composed of scholars and researchers from numerous universities and academic institutions in China. Each member of the editorial board has a profound background in history and literature, as well as a rigorous and responsible work attitude. They have participated in the editing of similar books multiple times and have rich experience. The publication of "Reading Classics" has received high praise from numerous readers.

Prose
Laozi (Selections)
Free and Easy Wandering (Selections)
The Cook Ding Carves an Ox
Analects of Confucius (Selections)
Mencius (Selections)
The Great Learning (Selections)
Two Excerpts from Mozi
One Excerpt from The Doctrine of the Mean
Two Excerpts from The Book of Rites
The Great Unity (Book of Rites)
Three Excerpts from Xunzi
An Exhortation to Learning (Selections)
Two Excerpts from The Art of War
Two Excerpts from Huainanzi
Vegetable Roots Discourse (Selections)
Throwing a Baby into the River
Marking the Boat to Find the Sword
Letter of Admonition Against the Expulsion of Guests (Selections)
The Wine Seller of Song
The Man of Zheng Who Bought Shoes
Gong Zhiqi Advises Against Borrowing a Road
The Debate on the Battle of Changshao
Zou Ji Satirizes the King of Qi
On the Faults of Qin (Selections)
Biography of Xiang Yu (Selections)
Letter to Ren An (Selections)
Biography of the Marquis of Huaiyin (Selections)
Four Excerpts from Book of the Later Han
Former Memorial on Sending Out the Troops (Selections)
Admonitions to My Son
Three Excerpts from Records of the Three Kingdoms
On Literature (Selections)
Memorial Expressing My Feelings (Selections)
Peach Blossom Spring (Selections)
Returning Home (Selections)
Biography of Master Five Willows
Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Collection (Selections)
Three Excerpts from The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons
Two Excerpts from Family Instructions of the Yan Clan
Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng (Selections)
Ten Admonitions to the Emperor Taizong (Selections)
Miscellaneous Sayings (Selections)
On Teachers (Selections)
Record of the Little Stone Pond
Inscription on a Humble Dwelling
Rhapsody on the Epang Palace (Selections)
One Excerpt from Essentials of Governance from the Zhenguan Era
Record of Yueyang Tower (Selections)
First Ode on the Red Cliff
Record of Stone Bell Mountain (Selections)
On the Six States (Selections)
Record of a Journey to Baochan Mountain (Selections)
On Reading the Biography of Lord Mengchang
On the Love of Lotuses
Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Governance (Selections)
Record of the Old Drunkard’s Pavilion
Preface to the Biographies of Court Musicians (Selections)
Dream Pool Essays (Selections)
Six Excerpts from Quiet Reflections by a Small Window
Shadows of a Tranquil Dream (Selections)
Three Excerpts from Night Talks by the Fire
The Orange Seller’s Words
Record of the Xiangji Studio (Selections)
Huang Sheng Borrows a Book
Record of Ascending Mount Tai (Selections)
Record of the Sick Plum Pavilion
Letters of Zeng Guofan (Selections)
Three Excerpts from Poetic Remarks in the Human World
One Excerpt from Poetic Remarks in the Human World
On a Young China (Selections)
Moonlit Journey on the Lake
From the Hundred Herbs Garden to Three Flavors Study (Selections)
Autumn Night
Farewell of the Shadow
Spring
In a Hurry
Moonlight over the Lotus Pond (Selections)
The Sight of Father’s Back (Selections)
Wild Vegetables of My Hometown
Autumn in the Old Capital (Selections)
The Joy of Life
Father’s Hawksbill Turtle
Preface to Dream Traces of Longshan
On the Mountain’s Shadowy Path
Letter to My Wife
The Petrel
On Life (Selections)
Leisurely Words from a Mountain Retreat in Florence (Selections)
Lament for Xu Zhimo (Selections)
Floods and Beasts
Beloved China (Selections)
Youth and Life
Words of Advice to My Son-in-Law Studying Abroad
Explanation of the "Do-Not-Do-Everything" Studio
On Eating
Mother Raises Snails
Beating the Orange Tree
The Peanut
My Heart Is a Mirror (Part 1)
My Heart Is a Mirror (Part 2)
My Heart Is a Mirror (Part 3)
Miscellaneous Thoughts on Summer Insects (Selections)
On the Road
The Artist’s Craft
The Study Window (Selections)
The Divine Comedy (Selections)
Walden (Selections)
My Beliefs (Selections)
Three Days to See (Selections)
Letter to the Church (Selections)
Tolerance (Selections)
The Book of Virtues (Selections)
Beethoven’s Testament (Selections)

Poetry & Lyrics
Guanju
War Drums
Millet Lush
Wind and Rain
Your Collar
The Deer Cry
Gathering Thistles
Ode to the Orange
The Fisherman
Jieyu’s Song
Song of White Hair
There Is One I Love
I Swear
The Long Song
On and On, Ever Parting
Seeing Off a Scholar to Join the Army (No. 2)
Short Song
Short Song
Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute (No. 1)
Dirge (No. 1)
Returning to Dwell in Gardens and Fields (No. 1)
Miscellaneous Poems (No. 1)
Imitating the Songs of Longing
Song of West Isle
Farewell to Zhongnan Mountain
Youthful Adventures (No. 1)
Poem on the Pavilion of Prince Teng
Twenty-Four Styles of Poetry (Selections)
Hard Roads (No. 1)
Drinking Alone Under the Moon (No. 1)
Farewell to Uncle Yun at Xie Tiao’s Pavilion
Song of the Bodhisattva Barbarian
Lament for the White-Haired Man
Moonlit Night on the Spring River
New Year’s Day, Sent to Du Fu
An Old Soldier’s Song
For Wei the Eighth
The Recruiting Officer at Xin’an
My Cottage Unroofed by Autumn Gales
Dreaming of Li Bai (No. 2)
Mooring at Night by Maple Bridge
Song of the Prince of Yanmen
Five Unrestrained Poems (No. 3)
Five Poems on Wine (No. 3)
Five Poems on Parting (No. 4)
Meditation on the Past at West Fort Mountain
The Poor Girl
Two Songs: Gazing South
The Way of Heaven
Song of the Bodhisattva Barbarian
Immortal by the River
Calming Wind and Waves
Bells Ringing in the Rain
Screen of Golden Sand
Butterflies in Love with Flowers
Waves Scouring Sand
Jade Tower Spring
The River All Red
Water Dragon Chant
Congratulations to the Bridegroom
Immortal by the River
Reflections on Reading
Crossing the Lonely Ocean
Thirty Poems on Poetry (No. 4)
Tune: Sunny Sand · Autumn
Drunk in the East Wind
On Reading
Song of the Peach Blossom Hut
Immortal by the River
Bamboo and Rock
Miscellaneous Poems of the Year Jihai (No. 1)
Immortal by the River
Written on the Prison Wall
The River All Red
Farewell
Butterflies in Love with Flowers
Self-Inscription on a Small Portrait
Accustomed to Long Nights in Spring
Inscription on the Three Righteous Pagodas
Spring in a Pleasure Garden · Snow
Song of Divination · Ode to the Plum Blossom
The Stars (Selections)
Spring Waters (Selections)
Dead Water
The Red Candle
Prison Song
You Are the April of This World—A Eulogy of Love
Saying Goodbye to Cambridge Again
Rainy Alley
Singing Aloud (Selections)
Song of Dionysus
Conscience (Selections)
Truth
Desire
If Life Deceives You
The Whisper of Holy Death
O Captain! My Captain! (Selections)
When You Are Old
The Beginning
The Gardener (Selections)
Sand and Foam (Selections)
On Love (Selections)
The Gift

Fiction
The New Year’s Sacrifice (Selections)
Border Town (Selections)
Border Town (Selections)
Moonlit Scene (Selections)
Tales of Hulan River (Selections)
Memories of Peking: South Side Stories (Selections)
A Slave Mother (Selections)
Biography of Mr. Almost
This Life of Mine (Selections)
Precocious in Youth
Chen Taiqiu and His Friend
Guan Ning Cuts the Mat
The Old Man and the Sea (Selections)
How the Steel Was Tempered (Selections)
The Little Prince (Selections)
Gulliver’s Travels (Selections)
Robinson Crusoe (Selections)
Jane Eyre (Selections)
Love’s Education (Selections)

Drama
Teahouse (Selections)
Hamlet (Selections)
Romeo and Juliet (Selections)

Mother raises snails by Liang Xiaosheng
My mother is used to living in a large courtyard.
The courtyard has its own warmth. The neighbors get along well, like a big family. When my mother first lived with me in Beijing, the situation of being trapped by loneliness was simply heartbreaking for me. The unit only has one dormitory building, and most of the employees are middle-aged and young, so they are not the ones their mothers chat with. Due to differences in age, experience, and interests, apart from work-related topics, I am not even my chat partner. I am someone who has long been accustomed to loneliness and regards tranquility as good luck for a day, a special enjoyment. And I have also become accustomed to talking to myself and the monologue of my soul. That way is writing. Having a lot of debt and silently writing my own words has become a law of life that I cannot change.
The building we live in is almost an empty building most of the time. During the day, it seems like it's the same at night. People often do not belong to their homes, but to the filming crew. So my mother was almost an elderly person under house arrest
To relieve my mother's loneliness, I borrowed a parrot from Beiying. It's the one in the movie "Dream of the Red Chamber" where Daiyu is kept in the "Xiaoxiang Pavilion". For a period of time, it became a companion of its mother, often looking at her and listening to her endless complaints. Occasionally shouting or stuttering seems like a "conversation". But it had a "job", was a "star", and soon was "invited" to make a movie. My mother fell into loneliness and solitude again
Fortunately, the family living upstairs from us "sent charcoal in the snow" and gave our mother a few small snails as a gift. And teach feeding methods and explain precautions. Those few little things, only half the size of a little fingernail, were pink, translucent, and faintly visible inside were tiny lives like fetuses that were not easily taken out. Its shell looks extremely thin and brittle, as if it could break at the slightest touch with a finger.
My mother loves them very much and regards them as treasures. She placed them in a beautiful iron box filled with tea leaves and pre filled it with damp fine sand. With so many little lives, it seems that the mother now has children who need careful care and nurturing. The old lady in her seventies seems to have become a young mother with a strong sense of responsibility again. She often places the small iron box on the windowsill, with the lid half open, so that those small things can bask in the sun. And it has to be guarded for a long, long time, watching, afraid that they will climb outside the box and get lost. It's like a mother standing by the bed, watching the baby crawl on the bed, her face filled with maternal love, and not daring to leave. I'm afraid that when I turn around, the baby might fall to the ground. Even on rainy days, my mother was worried that the little ones would catch a cold, so she put the tea box in warm water so that the sand could be warmed up by the warm water. They love to eat vegetables such as cabbage hearts, bitter gourd, winter melon, etc. Their mother carefully chopped the good parts of these vegetables and sprinkled them in the box. You can't sprinkle too much at once. If there are too many, they will not be able to finish eating and will rot inside the box, which will inevitably affect the "environmental hygiene" and damage their health. They are timid little creatures, the box moves slightly and immediately retracts into its shell. They are also some natural "laymen", often unable to leave their "homes" and deeply buried in the sand, like people who are determined to become immortals and attain enlightenment. They have already seen through the mortal world and eliminated all earthly disturbances, while "cats" diligently practice in ancient caves deep in the mountains. They are so shy again, like ladies from prestigious families who never leave their homes. As the saying goes, a real person does not show their appearance, and showing their appearance is not a real person. Occasionally sneaking out of the "boudoir", always taking a gentle "lotus step", as if guarding against lecherous individuals, climbing walls and trees to peek at their beautiful appearance. If you feel safe, then walk shoulder to shoulder with their "overall goodness" in the small "backyard". Or pairs of them, hidden in a corner, caressing and expressing intimacy with each other with their slender antennae
My mother gradually developed a special affection for them day by day. That kind of emotion is a silent heart to heart communication and exchange with the little life. And those little lives who are content with loneliness, detached from the world and their own kind, also offer their mothers the joy of viewing. Sometimes, in order to please my mother, I often stop writing and watch together with her
My eight year old son also developed a strong interest in them. I also started frequently holding the beautiful little snails' "castle" to admire. That kind of gaze, shimmering with a glimmer of hope. They are all lights of hope, but there is a qualitative difference from the way my mother watches them
"Grandma, why haven't they grown up yet."
"It's almost done, haven't you grown up a bit already."
"Grandma, how big can they grow?"
"It can grow as big as your fist."
"Grandma, have you ever eaten snails?"
"Eat?..."
"Our classmates have already eaten it and said it's delicious"
"Oh... maybe..."
"Grandma, I also want to eat snails! I want to eat spicy snails! I also want to drink snail soup! My classmate's mother said it's very nutritious! Children who often drink snail soup are wise..."
"Well..."
"Grandma, promise me!"
"They're still small now."
"I have the patience to wait for them to grow up before eating them. No, I want to wait until they give birth to small snails before eating them. So I can eat snails forever, can't I? Grandma, don't you think so?"
My mother was surprised.
I stopped him and said, "Don't think lkie that! Don't say such things to grandma again! Are you lacking meat to eat? Greedy, you're a carnivore!"
My son blinked his eyes, as if he had suffered great injustice and looked like he was about to cry. The mother comforted him, "Okay, okay, when they grow up, grandma will definitely make something for you to eat."
I said, "We can't just say yes to him on everything! Let me protect them for your grandma and see who dares to eat them!'
My son said confidently, "You can eat pork, lamb, beef, chicken, and roast duck. Why can't you eat snails?"
I reasoned and said, "Those are meat..."
My son said, "What I want to eat is also snail meat. Did I say about eating their shells?"
I said, "You have to understand that people cannot bear to kill and eat the things that people raise themselves. It is the principle of respecting life..."
My son retorted to me, "You're lying to a child! Do you respect life? The silkworm cocoon someone gave you last time was still alive and moving, but you fried it in oil! Grandma didn't eat it, Mom didn't eat it, and I didn't eat it either. You ate it all by yourself! I see you're eating so well!"
I am speechless. From then on, the son seemed to believe that there was an extremely sufficient, natural, and irrefutable basis for eating snails in theory... From then on, when mother watched those little creatures, the son would definitely come over to watch... First, the son asked why they hadn't grown up yet, and mother answered with certainty - they clearly had grown up.
Later, the son confirmed that they had clearly grown up. It's not that they've grown up a bit, but that they've grown a lot, and my mother always shakes her head - they haven't grown at all...
However, no matter what mother thinks or says, and no matter what my son thinks or says, those small lives are indeed growing up every day. Under the careful care of his mother, they grew very quickly. The shell is starting to turn black and hard. They are no longer small things that seem to be easily broken with a gentle touch of their fingers. Their heads and soft bodies, when they protrude from the "houses" they carry on their backs, also take shape, with a charming and charming appearance. Their antennae have also become thicker and longer. The two of them, in a corner of the box, affectionately kiss each other. As their ears and temples rub against each other, they appear even more affectionate and refined
That beautiful tea box seems too small for them.
So mother moved them into another box, a more beautiful box that had already contained cookies.
"Grandma, have they grown up?"
"Well, it seems like that..."
"Grandma, if they double in size again, should we eat them?"
"No. It has to grow to the size of your fist. Didn't you say you want to wait until they give birth to small snails before eating them?"
"Grandma, I don't want to wait until then. I'll only eat once, just taste whatever it tastes like..."
Mother remained silent and did not answer.