Modernization of Man (Studies on the Transformation of National Character in Modern China)

Author: Yuan Hongliang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: From the perspective of the history of social development, the modern history of China after the Opium War can actually be seen as a gradual process of modernization, which is also the realization of a dual modern transformation in both society and individuals. The author of this book, starting from the perspective of the modern transformation of individuals, is committed to conducting a historical examination of the discourses on national character reform among the intellectual circles of the modern period (from the Opium War to the eve of the Great Revolution). By defining the concept of "national character," the book not only systematically examines, explores, and interprets the development process, basic content, and inherent main conflicts of the national character reform in modern China from three aspects—culture, social psychology, and behavioral patterns—but also selects three representative thinkers and analyzes their early thoughts on national character reform as case studies. From different angles and a broader perspective, the book explores the rich connotations of the national character reform in modern China, reveals the unique laws of this reform, and aims to provide valuable references for building socialism with Chinese characteristics.