The Spirit of the Chinese People

Author: Gu Hongming
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: Gu's writings in foreign languages, expounding Confucianism and Taoism, stirred the times; Gu was also a remarkable eccentric. His magnanimity and self-pleasure, with disdain for both Chinese and foreigners, were truly close to madness. Yet he could speak in accordance with his actions and ended his life in obscurity. Compared to those who kowtowed to the powerful, was he not distinct from humans and beasts? — Translation master and humorist Lin Yutang
I believe that the 2,500-year-old Chinese culture, as represented by Mr. Gu Hongming, is enough to bring honor to the world in the 20th century. — One of the leaders of the New Culture Movement, Li Daizhao
Mr. Gu is truly the representative of Chinese culture and the world's only advocate for China. — Professor at Peking University and cultural giant Wu Mi
In his lifetime, Gu Hongming had already become a legend; after his death, he might even become a mythical figure. — Professor of English at Peking University, Wen Yuanning
What is a true Chinese? Now we know that a true Chinese is someone with an innocent heart and the wisdom of adulthood, living a life of the soul. In short, a true Chinese has the heart of a child and the wisdom of an adult. The spirit of the Chinese people is a spirit that never ages, an immortal national soul. Chinese civilization is a true moral civilization. It not only first recognizes a moral sense of responsibility and takes it as the foundation of social order but also, secondly, enables people to fully attain this moral sense of responsibility. In China, educational methods, governance, and all social systems serve this goal: to cultivate people with a moral sense of responsibility. All practices and personal pursuits are encouraged and designed to make it easier for people to comply with this moral sense of responsibility.