To the Youth (My New Outlook on Life Speech)

Author: Luo Jialun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-02-01
Features: The new philosophy of life does not focus solely on "should," but rather on "cannot"; it does not rely solely on authority or tradition, but instead uses reason to examine the demands of reality and the conditions of survival; it does not focus solely on conscience or moral awareness, but rather on the entire spectrum of life and the cultivation of character and demeanor, establishing an ideal life through experience and habits. Therefore, the new philosophy of life is a dynamic philosophy, a creative philosophy, and also a philosophy of the greater self. This is a collection of speeches by the renowned modern Chinese scholar and educator, Mr. Luo Jialun.
Modern China was a period of significant social transformation and upheaval. The old feudal ethical system had collapsed, and a new dominant system had yet to take shape. Society lacked faith, and individual values were fragmented, diverse, and inconsistent. Later, Japan invaded China, and the War of Resistance broke out. Internal and external crises mounted, with the nation's survival hanging by a thread. These speeches were delivered in light of the severe realities and challenging circumstances of the time.
The author addressed a series of targeted issues prevalent among the youth of that era, such as the low standards of their philosophy of life, the decayed and outdated values they held, and their moral apathy, which stemmed from being trapped in various selfish motives. The aim was to call upon the youth to establish lofty ideals, to develop a scientific philosophy of life and values, and to actively engage in practice, becoming individuals who would contribute meaningfully to the nation and the country.
The text is fluent and passionate, filled with a fresh, bright, lively, and uplifting spirit. It is more vivid than stale preaching and more lively than solemn instruction. Moreover, the progressive ideas reflected in most of the chapters in the book retain their shining social value even today.