Spirit of the Chinese People (Classic Translation. Chinese-English Parallel Text)

Author: Gu Hongming
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: Gu wrote in foreign languages, lecturing on Confucianism and Taoism, which caused a sensation at the time. Gu was indeed a remarkable figure. His magnanimity and self-satisfaction, coupled with his disdain for both the Chinese and foreigners, were almost bordering on madness. Yet, he could speak in accordance with his actions and lived a life of obscurity. Compared to those who kowtowed to the powerful, was he not superior to mere beasts? — Lin Yutang, renowned translator and humorist.
I believe that the 2,500-year-old Chinese culture, as embodied by the great scholar Gu Hongming, is enough to bring honor to the world in the 20th century. — Li Dazhao, one of the leaders of the New Culture Movement.
Gu Hongming truly represents Chinese culture and is China's only global ambassador. — Wu Mi, professor at Peking University and a cultural giant.
Before his death, Gu Hongming had already become a legend; after his passing, he may even become a mythical figure. — Wen Yuanning, English professor at Peking University.
What is a true Chinese? We now know that a true Chinese is someone with an innocent heart and the wisdom of adulthood, living a life of the spirit. In short, a true Chinese has the heart of a child and the wisdom of an adult. The spirit of the Chinese people is a spirit that never ages, an immortal national soul. Chinese civilization is a true moral civilization. It not only first recognizes a moral sense of responsibility and takes it as the foundation of social order but also, secondly, enables people to fully attain this moral sense of responsibility. In China, educational methods, governance, and all social systems serve this goal: cultivating people with a moral sense of responsibility. All practices, personal pursuits, and the like are encouraged and designed to help people easily comply with this moral sense of responsibility.