Sam

As long as there are people in the world, there will be a “jianghu” — a human network full of complexities. When I make friends, I always assume from the start that they are kind. Because of this, I often end up being the one who suffers losses or takes the hits. But when I encounter such people, I gradually distance myself; in more serious cases (though rare), I cut ties completely.

Having served as chairman for ten years, I’ve grown more rounded compared to the sharp edges I once had. Still, when it comes to those who stab others in the back, I choose to ignore them entirely. The art circle is relatively pure compared to other fields, but there are still a few who, instead of working hard themselves, try every possible way to hurt others for positions or personal gain. I’ve done my best to be conciliatory, yet I still end up entangled in certain issues.

Master Ho Chao-Chu once said that he has no enemies in the art world. I also strive to hold myself to that standard, but I’m not sure whether I should stick firmly to my principles or learn to be more tactful. I try hard to stay away from gossip and avoid speaking ill of others. Yet some people spread rumors everywhere. A few days ago, an elder from the south spoke with me about certain matters. I only touched on them briefly without going into detail, since I’ve never been good with words. But I believe that over time, people come to see clearly who is truly genuine. This elder is a very wise person, and I trust he will understand.

世間只要有人就有江湖，交朋友我一直都先認定對方是善良的。所以遇到一些事情總是先吃了虧、挨了悶棍。但這樣子的朋友我就會慢慢遠離，嚴重的甚至會完全不來往（極少數）。擔任了理事長10年，我從以前的錂錂角角磨得比較圓了。不過面對一些背後捅刀的人，我絕對是直接不理這種人。繪畫圈已經是一個相對單純的圈子，不過還是有少數不自己努力卻為了位子、利益想盡了各種方法傷害別人，我已經盡量圓融了，卻還是惹上了一些事。何肇衢老師曾說他在藝術圈沒有敵人。我也努力往這方面要求自己，不過我不曉得之前的原則是否該堅持還是要再更圓滑一點，我努力讓自己遠離是非，不討論別人的是非。可是有的人卻到處造謠，前兩天南部的一位長輩和我談了些事情。我大概點了一下，也不太多做說明。因為我本來就是因為不太善於言論的人，不過我相信人和人之間相處久了就會了解誰才是真誠的人。這位前輩是非常有智慧的人，我相信他會理解的。