Anarchism and the May Fourth New Culture - A Study Centered Around the Associates of New Youth

Author: Meng Qingshu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: Anarchism's sensitivity to individual freedom is closely linked to its acceptance of the Enlightenment's theory of human nature. Similarly, anarchism's skepticism toward the legitimacy of the state is largely derived from the theory of human nature. The May Fourth New Culture Movement liberated itself from the shadow of the statist culture that had already developed one-sidedly since the Han Dynasty. This traditional Chinese statist culture not only directly wielded political power but also primarily manifested itself as cultural power. The energy it spent suppressing heterodox thought was far greater than the energy it devoted to various national affairs. The theoretical characteristics of anarchism enable it to play a more significant role in the cultural sphere than other political theories. Its thorough critique of all oppressive relationships, its relentless pursuit of Enlightenment values such as freedom, equality, and brotherhood, and its idealistic humanistic spirit hold undeniable appeal for humanistic intellectuals.