虽小道亦有可观焉:中国古代士大夫的游戏观

Small Things Can Also Be Meaningful: Ancient Chinese Literati’s Attitude towards Games

以孔子和朱熹为代表的正统儒家对游戏持一种相当节制的态度。然而在中国古代,士人的游戏活动是相当普遍的,其中一部分士大夫对游戏投入了极大的热情,不仅亲身参与游戏,而且积极进行游戏的编创。在这些士大夫看来,游戏不只具有“玩物丧志”的一面,还承载了若干积极的社会功能。游戏可以使人放松身心,怡情悦性,更重要的是能够以潜移默化的方式对百姓进行道德教化,以寓教于乐的方式实现知识的普及和传播。同时编制和书写游戏也是士大夫自我表达的一种手段,是他们寄托思想与情感的一个精神世界。毋庸讳言,古代游戏中也存在与赌博、色情相联系的糟粕因素,历代文人中一直存在着限制和反对游戏的声音,这是古代士大夫与游戏关系的另一面。在当今的游戏时代,如何在继承传统文化的基础上发展健康有益的游戏文化,或许可以从历史经验中获得启示。

Orthodox Confucianism,represented by Confucius and Zhu Xi,has an unfavorable attitude towards games.However,it was not uncommon for ancient Chinese literati to take part in games.Some literati were so enthusiastic that they not only played games but also designed games.To them,games would not necessarily sap their spirit through seeking pleasures.Games could also play positive roles in the society.Games could help relieve pressures and make people cheerful.More importantly,they could edify people in an invisible way,and disseminate knowledge through entertainment.At the same time,designing and writing games were also a means of self-expression for the literati.It created a spiritual world for the literati to place their thoughts and feelings.On the other hand,criticisms against games persisted through the history of China,as there undoubtedly existed games related to gambling and eroticism.Learning from history will help us build a healthier culture of gaming in our time.