From Yan Yangchu to Wen Tiejun

Author: Meng Lei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: This book compares the historical context and practical conditions of the rural transformation in China during the times of two scholars. It also compares these two rural builders and advocates of rural experiments, separated by nearly a century, to explore their similarities and differences. In terms of comparison, another idea is that the differences between academia and practice are inherently subjective. In reality, what we should pay more attention to are the commonalities among the two generations of rural construction scholars, or what can be described as the passing of the torch—both recognized the special importance of the "Three Rural Issues" in China, both insisted on the grassroots stance of intellectuals, and both advocated gradual reforms. In terms of action, they hoped to change the more traditional ways of intellectuals participating in social processes—from textbook experts to memorial-style "policy advisors." They were more willing to influence the masses through personal involvement, ultimately affecting decision-making and becoming true "engaged" "public intellectuals."