To the Youth: My New Outlook on Life Speech

Author: Luo Jialun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-02-01
Features: The new philosophy of life does not focus solely on "should," but rather on "cannot"; it does not rely solely on authority or tradition, but rather uses reason to examine the demands of reality and the conditions of survival; it does not focus solely on conscience or moral awareness, but rather on the entire span of life and the cultivation of character and demeanor, establishing an ideal life through experience and habits. Therefore, the new philosophy of life is a dynamic philosophy of life, a creative philosophy of life, and also a philosophy of the greater self. This is a collection of speeches by the renowned modern Chinese scholar and educator, Mr. Luo Jialun.
Modern China was a period of significant social transformation and upheaval. The old feudal ethical system had collapsed, and a new dominant system had yet to take shape. Society lacked faith, and individual values were fragmented, diverse, and uneven. Later, Japan invaded China, and the War of Resistance broke out. Internal and external crises mounted, with the nation's survival hanging by a thread. These speeches were delivered in light of the severe realities and challenging circumstances of the time.
The author addressed a series of targeted issues prevalent among the youth of the era, such as the low standards of their philosophy of life, even the absence thereof, the decayed and outdated values, and the moral apathy caused by being trapped in various selfish motives. The aim was to call upon the youth to establish lofty ideals, to build a scientific philosophy of life and values, to actively engage in practice, and to become individuals of significance to the nation and the country.
The text is fluent and passionate, brimming with freshness, clarity, vitality, and an upward momentum. It is more vivid than stale preaching and more lively than solemn instruction. Moreover, the progressive ideas reflected in most of the chapters in the book retain their shining social value even today.