“以书养书”能抵达的远方

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the journey of an elderly book seller, Xu Zezhang, who has dedicated his life to the world of books, emphasizing the importance of reading, preserving literature, and finding a suitable successor for his extensive collection [5][7]. Group 1: Business Model and Philosophy - Xu's philosophy of "using books to support books" originated in the 1980s when books were considered a luxury, leading him to operate a bookstore to fund his reading and collection [5]. - He introduced a creative membership card system in 1994, allowing customers to enjoy discounts, which was an innovative approach to customer retention at the time [5]. Group 2: Community and Trust - The book stall serves as a space of trust where Xu sells not only his own collection but also consigned books from friends, treating each book as a fragile entity that deserves care and attention [6]. - Xu often gives away books at low prices to those who love reading, demonstrating his belief that the value of books lies in their readership and appreciation [6]. Group 3: Legacy and Future Aspirations - Xu reflects on the future of his vast collection, pondering where his books will ultimately end up, especially after witnessing a friend's desire to pass on his collection to a true book lover [7]. - He aspires to find a successor who shares his passion for books and has the means to maintain the collection, envisioning a space where books can continue to be appreciated [7].