To write is to record and release events, ideas, and feelings by means of written words. Shu (书) literally means “to write” and by extension “written works.”In the context of traditional Chinese culture, written works include all letters, notes, essays, calligraphic works, and books. In The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons, Liu Xie (465?-520? or 532?), author active during the Southern Dynasties, frequently takes an etymological approach to examining the features and functions of literary styles. He interprets the general significance of writing by pointing out that according to the classics of previous generations, the characters 书 and 舒 were the same in meaning and pronunciation. As a verb, the character 舒 literally means “to stretch” and by extension “to present”or “to express.” As a noun, it takes on the metaphorical meaning of mental relaxation and comfort. Writing, as the character 书 denotes, assumes the roles of depicting things, recording feelings, conveying ideas, expressing emotions, relieving melancholy, and so on. Every person has a clear need for self-expression. The externalization of one’s internal state may be meaningful in cognition, practice, and aesthetics, while the realization of such meanings in cognition and practice will result in further aesthetic significance. Starting from the original meanings of the characters, Liu proceeds to affirm the essential significance of all literary styles and means of literary and artistic expressions, summarizes the basic functions of writing and literary and artistic creation, and in a broader sense emphasizes the aesthetic features of writing and the aesthetic need of humanity. His views mark the initial self-awareness of Chinese literary theory.

Leaders of primitive times ruled with knotted cords. Sages of later generations replaced them with characters. Officials used characters in governance. The masses of people used them in examining things. This may come from the idea of “judgment” or “decision” suggested in the hexagram of guai. (The Book of Changes)

Yang Xiong said: “Speech is sounds from the heart, while writings are symbols from the heart. When sounds and symbols take form, a man of virtue can be distinguished from a man of base character.” Therefore, writing is a way of expression. The practice of expressing with words and putting them down on bamboo and wooden slips is suggested in the hexagram of guai in The Book of Changes, which stresses the importance of clarity and determination. (Liu Xie: The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons)

Calligraphy is a means of expression. A person, with ease and peace of mind, chooses a tranquil, secluded, bright, and clear place for writing. With paper and ink of superior quality and an alert attendant, he makes strokes in high spirits and enjoys the unworldly pleasure of freedom. (Fei Ying: Idle Words on Big-character Calligraphy)