Cai Yuanpei (The Meaning of University)

Author: Ye Jun
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Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features: In terms of the comprehensive construction and stability of the modern university system, its shortcomings are also evident. "Inclusiveness and freedom of thought," although widely recognized as a classic guiding principle of modern universities and having a lasting influence, were not established in a institutional sense and consequently did not take root and develop within modern China. Of course, this is related to the historical context of the time. First, since the late 19th century, China has been plagued by continuous warfare among warlords; even the Beiyang government need not be mentioned, and after the establishment of the Nanjing Nationalist government, it was either busy with civil war or struggling against Japanese aggression, leaving little time to focus on education reforms. Additionally, few elite and powerful figures recognized the importance of developing education as the foundation of the nation. Second, China's national governance was weak, making it difficult for the government to exert absolute control over universities, and the autonomy of university operations remained quite high. These two points differ significantly from Japan's Meiji Restoration, which emphasized centralization, forcefully promoted German experiences to develop education and revitalize the nation.