In the preface of "To Live", Yu Hua elaborated on the idea that people should live for themselves and not for anything else. This thought could be interpreted as that human life was limited, and the purpose and value of life itself lay in its own existence, not living for other things. The importance of this idea is that it reminds us not to impose our own values and goals on others, but to respect everyone's free will and choices. People should be free to decide their own way of life and be responsible for their own lives. In addition, this thought could also be interpreted as a praise for human freedom and independence. Human life is independent. Everyone should be free to decide their own direction and goals, not be limited by others or society. This freedom and independence was one of the most important values of human beings, and it was also one of the main topics of Alive.