March 08, 2001

Transcending politics Literature "is inherently man's affirmation of the value of his own self. ... Whether it has any impact on society comes after the completion of a work, and that impact certainly is not determined by the wishes of the writer." — Author Gao Xingjian Full story

HARVARD GAZETTE ARCHIVES

Nobel winner affirms the 'self'
During the Cultural Revolution - the decade of Maoist reform that, among other things, pilloried Chinese intellectuals and sent many to the countryside for "re-education" through hard labor - author Gao Xingjian was among those "sent down" to live the life of a peasant.

Casting a vote for election reform
David King asks: Is D.C. ready?
In the wake of six long weeks this fall filled with hanging chads, ballot recounts, and court challenges, it appears the American people may finally be willing to embrace major changes in the way we elect our government leaders. The question is, Is Washington ready? David King, associate professor in public policy at the Kennedy School of Government (KSG), is anxious to find out.

Copyright 2002 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College