Came to Guiyang to handle a travel permit endorsement, only to find the office closed for the day. But right next door stood Yangming Shrine (阳明祠), dedicated to Wang Yangming — and stumbling into it turned out to be the highlight of my trip.
Wang Yangming (1472–1529) was a Ming dynasty philosopher, statesman, and general, and one of the most influential thinkers in Chinese history. His philosophy centers on the "unity of knowing and doing" (知行合一) — the idea that true knowledge is inseparable from action — and on the belief that moral wisdom is innate, found by looking within rather than seeking it outside ourselves.
The shrine was quiet, almost empty. Perfect for wandering alone with your thoughts. On my way out I caught a few minutes of a guide's talk, just enough to feel the weight of the place.
此心光明 — "This heart is bright and clear." Said to be among his final words. A good reminder that sometimes the detour is the destination. ✨
Shenzhen. Summer night. Humid.
Old Chen handed the phone back. One name gone from the following list.
His friend stared at the screen for a long time, then finally said: "That's the most expensive unfollow I've ever clicked."
Downstairs, the water meter spun fast. Two middle-aged men clinked beer bottles on the balcony. Neither spoke.
Some freedoms you have to delete your way into.