Panel Discussion Series One
Date: March 24, 2024 (Sun.) at 14:00
Topic: "Meng's Existentialism"
Moderator: Chen Ruihua
Panelists: Yang Rubin, Huang Chongxian

Panel Discussion Series Two
Date: March 31, 2024 (Sun.) at 14:00
Topic: "Meng's Philosophy of Loving Life"
Moderator: Lin Liyun
Panelists: Wang Haowei, Hong Mizhen, Huang Xingxing, Chen Nianxuan

Panel Discussion Series Three
Date: April 7, 2024 (Sun.) at 14:00
Topic: "Meng's Writing Style"
Moderator: Lin Huifeng
Speaker: Yang Ze

Meng Xiang Sen (1937-2009) was a significant figure in Taiwan's post-war humanistic landscape.

Existentialist philosophy, philosophy of loving life, simple living, and natural writing—all these currents of thought and practice that have influenced the island's spiritual state and cultural landscape bear the indelible mark of Meng Xiangsen's enduring presence. Meng Xiangsen's importance to the humanistic spirit of Taiwan also lies in the unique way of life embodied in his life practices and cosmic inquiries, allowing people and things that intersect with his life to unfold different shades of vitality.

In the early 1980s, Meng settled in the desolate area of Sialo in Hualien, Taiwan. He built a thatched hut by the sea and lived there peacefully, adopting the name "Meng Dong Li". He serialized articles about seaside life in the supplement of the United Daily News (later compiled into the book "Notes from a Coastal Thatched Hut"), which became popular among readers. Meng embraced a natural lifestyle, welcoming friends to visit without prior notice or appointment. Even if he was not home, visitors could enter, rest, drink tea, or cook on their own. Meng rejected the typical nine-to-five job, sustaining himself on modest income from translation work. There were also widespread rumors and speculations about his marriage, love affairs, and controversial sexual relationships as a coastal writer.

From the mid-1980s until his passing in 2009, Meng witnessed the capitalist society's emphasis on development and consumption, as well as humanity's gradual transformation into a destroyer of natural ecosystems and slaves to material consumption. In contrast to the external environment during his lifetime, Meng's life philosophy and practices were like parallel lines coexisting with the workings of secular society. However, Meng's proud existence served as a reference point for himself and his close friends to reflect on, examine, and contemplate their own lives. Meng lived his life as he pleased, stating, "Those flowers just bloom on their own." In his presence and absence, he left behind an endless fragrance for us to enjoy.