It's really interesting to revisit. The last time I read it, I looked forward to working in a bookstore in the "future". (Really achieved it for me). Of course, reality and vision often overlap and the results are not high. A utopian bookstore does not exist, and even now, looking back on the fantasy of a "bookstore", I want to go back to the past and start a debate with my 20-year-old self.
1. The public and the small. When an object meets the needs of most people, it must be wrapped in human fireworks, in other words, the world. The same is true of bookstores. When the word "idea" began to enter the masses, the pursuit of "minority" became more urgent. Popular, best-selling, functional...began to be "disgusted". It cannot be denied that the role of "best-selling" determines the nature of fast food and the character of "pleasant". Inevitably rough, frivolous, and carnival (books that refer to celebrities, related households, local tyrants...) are only products, not works.
However, this is not a reason to solidify the role of the bookstore. The possibility (value) of the bookstore is not only literature, history and philosophy, but also ideas. Compared with the process of "reading", the choice of reading material is more personal. The point of privateness is not to be disturbed, but to be similar to what Confucianism calls "a gentleman prudently independent". If you have an accurate positioning of yourself and your own needs are clear, you will naturally be targeted. (Who cares about others?) When you start to reject "synthesis", you have to think about what you are rejecting. Some people love Camus, some people need Le Jia; some people need philosophy, and many people need teaching assistants... It is not wise to rashly define Yangchunbaixue and complain about Liba people.
2. Public welfare and profit. Don't forget the original intention, face the reality (nothing to say, facing is not a compromise, don't over-interpret and don't be self-obsessed, this is very important)
Finally, bookstore owners (employees) like Blake, don't feel like they don't exist at all. At least those complaints about customers and Xiao Jiujiu, I have also had them.
View more about Black Books reviews
