Remembering Cheng Nan-jung, Chiu Yi-jen: A Thinker-Activist Combining Values and Action
At a new book launch for 'Collection of Historical Materials on the Post-War Taiwanese Political Case: The Cheng Nan-jung Case,' Chiu Yi-jen praised Cheng Nan-jung as a 'thinker-activist' who combined values and actions, highlighting his pursuit of freedom of speech and his ultimate sacrifice.
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The National Archives Administration held a new book launch and symposium for 'Collection of Historical Materials on the Post-War Taiwanese Political Case: The Cheng Nan-jung Case' this afternoon. Chiu Yi-jen stated that Cheng Nan-jung's dual persistence and characteristics of values and actions were rare among those engaged in the opposition movement at the time.
He cited an example: in the difficult environment of the past, Cheng Nan-jung wanted to publish a magazine and his action was to apply for over a dozen publishing licenses at once. If the ruling authorities wanted to ban it, he would have many backup options. Looking back now, this might not seem like a remarkable action, but in the authoritarian era of martial law, it was a creative expression of taking action against martial law politics.
Chiu Yi-jen said that Cheng Nan-jung's advocacy for activities like the 228 Incident commemoration, the lifting of martial law, and the demand for 100% freedom of speech not only adhered to correct values but, more importantly, demonstrated them through action. As more people participated in the opposition movement promoted by Cheng Nan-jung, it showed that Taiwanese society had long held these values in its heart, but no one had expressed them through activism. Cheng Nan-jung not only spoke but also acted.
Chiu Yi-jen stated that Cheng Nan-jung ultimately expressed his demands in a resolute manner. There is no need to debate whether Cheng Nan-jung's actions were right or wrong; rather, it was someone who truly believed in the values he upheld and realized them with his life. He described Cheng Nan-jung as 'the highest realm of a thinker-activist.'
He emphasized that Cheng Nan-jung left behind many rich assets for future generations. Do not just talk about 'self-immolation'; it was only a part of his life, values, philosophy, and actions. Cheng Nan-jung not only insisted on his values but also contemplated how to achieve them. (Editor: Zhai Sijia) 1150407
He cited an example: in the difficult environment of the past, Cheng Nan-jung wanted to publish a magazine and his action was to apply for over a dozen publishing licenses at once. If the ruling authorities wanted to ban it, he would have many backup options. Looking back now, this might not seem like a remarkable action, but in the authoritarian era of martial law, it was a creative expression of taking action against martial law politics.
Chiu Yi-jen said that Cheng Nan-jung's advocacy for activities like the 228 Incident commemoration, the lifting of martial law, and the demand for 100% freedom of speech not only adhered to correct values but, more importantly, demonstrated them through action. As more people participated in the opposition movement promoted by Cheng Nan-jung, it showed that Taiwanese society had long held these values in its heart, but no one had expressed them through activism. Cheng Nan-jung not only spoke but also acted.
Chiu Yi-jen stated that Cheng Nan-jung ultimately expressed his demands in a resolute manner. There is no need to debate whether Cheng Nan-jung's actions were right or wrong; rather, it was someone who truly believed in the values he upheld and realized them with his life. He described Cheng Nan-jung as 'the highest realm of a thinker-activist.'
He emphasized that Cheng Nan-jung left behind many rich assets for future generations. Do not just talk about 'self-immolation'; it was only a part of his life, values, philosophy, and actions. Cheng Nan-jung not only insisted on his values but also contemplated how to achieve them. (Editor: Zhai Sijia) 1150407