"Being and Not Being" is a novel with the theme of officials' transition from idealism to corruption. Under the dual temptation of power and desire, the protagonist gradually loses himself from a young cadre full of ideals and beliefs, and finally slides into the abyss of corruption.
The story unfolds from the perspective of the protagonist Gao Zhengming, who was originally a firm idealist and devoted himself to grassroots work with the belief of serving the people. However, because he had no dignity since childhood, he had a weak character. As his position was promoted and his power increased, he was gradually eroded by external temptations and inner greed. He began to accept bribes, use his power for personal gain, and even sacrificed his family and family relationships to satisfy his desires. Driven by power, he changed from the initial "integrity and self-preservation" to "profit first", and finally went on the road of illegal crimes.
Through the process of Gao Zhengming's fall, the novel reveals the shaken ideals and beliefs, the distortion of values, and the reality of power rent-seeking. He went from "dare not to accept bribes" to "actively asking for bribes" at the beginning, from "integrity and self-discipline" to "corruption".
