1. The Nostalgia for a Hometown Spring

The sea and sky are boundless, mother earth awakens, the coconut paths are evergreen, and the warm breeze is beautiful. Oh, but the spring in Formosa [Taiwan] does not have the same scenery as in my hometown!

Sometimes, I let my eyes and heart wander around the natural world, skimming across the floating clouds and enjoying their rising threads of silk wadding.

Sometimes, I sit silently in this big rattan chair and waves of thoughts burst through, leading my mind to [ponder] the events of the past.

Human beings are emotional creatures, so it is good to recall all of one's time on earth. During the journey through one's life, the longer that the time passes, the more information it provides people to recall.

Starting from the end of the 19th century and crossing into the 20th century as I enter my 70th year of life, I have been through the overthrow of the autocratic monarchy, the building of the Republic of China, the fight against the military juntas, the overthrow of Japanese aggression, as well as the sacred duty to suppress bandits, participating in reconnaissance and counter-attacking in order to restore the country.

After practicing martial arts and a long study of Civil Engineering at Peking University, I began to learn about public service, creating educational [materials], organizing military regiments, managing the Yellow River, and promoting water conservancy.

For the past few decades, I have been advocating for national sports education. Dedicating oneself to the country is the prerequisite to serving the interests of the nation, with the goal of building a strong nation through fitness. This will:

• Benefit the people;

• Teach loyalty, courage and chivalry;

• Inspire ones patriotic spirit;

• And instill the virtue of helping others.

Science drives the gears of great eras, from the Iron Age to the Atomic Age and from the Atomic Age to the Space Age. It expands the human mind and creativity, going from the tiny neutrons to the distant starry heavens, and even the universe itself. As I have followed the revolution of the earth as it has circled the sun 70 times, I realize that human beings are only one of the tiny particles amongst all the celestial bodies, and it makes me feel small. Yet, how great it is that God created man and gave man a human soul, will, emotion, and great wisdom to rule and manage all things!

In general, [most people believe] that life at 70 years of age is the end of a long period of experience. [Yet to] others, they might say that at 70 years of age, your ability is just now beginning. Fortunately, in my youth, I vowed to start practicing at the first crow of the rooster, working the muscles and bones, never stopping the rubbing at the two temples [using the Longevity Exercises], even after they have turned as white as the snow on Mount Hua. Also, I have eaten healthy and nutritious food, which does not diminish the spirit. So, having [survived this long and] come to the end of the 70th milestone in my life, I will allow the past events to return to my memory.

I remember: As a teenager, I galloped into the east suburbs, splashing waves in the Hong River, so full of emotions.

I remember: As an adult, galloping north and south with my head held high.

I remember: The great changes in the world, [bringing with them] innumerable joys and sorrows.

The current political situation is troubling. How many have met difficulties and left? Seeing first hand the state of the country today, there are such troubles and difficulties, with the common people left in dire straits. They are struggling and moaning in their misery! Beneath the wide and hazy sky, the sea is vast. Each time the sun is setting, before the quiet night lanterns [are lit], I can't help but scratch my white hair and exhale out a small sigh.