More to classics than standing test of time

An old Chinese saying goes: the old should not read Journey to the West, the young shouldn't read Outlaws of the Marsh, the lascivious shouldn't read Dream of Red Mansions, and the warlike should not read Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

These novels are our "four classics".

As for Romance of the Three Kingdoms, there is one more saying: do not read it when you are old. The implication being you are already wise because of your experience and reading the book at such an age would make you almost superhuman.