Admonition on Learning

Author: Zhang Zhidong (Qing Dynasty)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-01-01
Features: This book is a renowned work by Zhang Zhidong, a representative of the late Qing Dynasty school. Facing the new changes brought by the introduction of Western learning to China, he advocated adopting Western learning to a limited extent and reforming old methods, with the principle of prioritizing traditional learning as the foundation and Western learning as the application. He supported certain reformist movements of the New Learning school but opposed political reforms, firmly upholding traditional ethical morals and social hierarchies. In April 1894, he wrote "Encouraging Learning," which comprehensively elaborated his views and clearly distinguished him from the more radical wing of the New Learning school, such as Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao. The emergence of this book reflected the deepening social crises and the widespread desire for reform at the time. Its ( means "" or "propositions" in this context) represented the aspirations of the conservative scholars who sought steady reforms, and it aligned with the will of the court. As a result, it was widely disseminated by the court and had a broad and profound impact.