“In Favor of Amateurism of Everything”On the Playful Spirit in Lin Yutang’s Literary Thoughts

In 1930s, the pursuit of Lin Yutang’s literary and critical thoughts became clearly. In view of the situation of strong utilitarianism of literature, he clearly put forward the playful spirit of the literature and art, advocating that the literature and art have transcendence. In his view, they are a free release of human spirit. The playful spirit pursued by Lin Yutang emphasizes the freedom and aesthetics of literature and art. The playful spirit in Lin Yutang’s literary thought is not only shown in the theoretical construction of modern prose and the advocacy of life aesthetics, but also in his " humor”and romantic ideas. This critical thought is an effective remedy in the trend of criticism led by social-historical, which retains the calm thinking of respecting the essential law of literature and art.