The Reasons of Choosing The Spirit of The Chinese People

香山亭

The first reason is to understand the collision between Chinese culture and Western culture. It is a classical text of Chinese intellectuals responding to the western culture shocks in the early 20th century. It had shown how Chinese people safeguard cultural subjectivity in the face of westernization.
The second reason is to explore the deep logic of Confucian civilization. The author had a elaboration of Confucian core values such as benevolence, propriety, and filial piety. The comparison of Confucianism with religion and law in the book provided a unique breakthrough point for understanding traditional Chinese governance models.
The Third reason is to reflect the cultural critique perspective of modernity. Gu Hongming's criticism of Western materialism and instrumental rationality echoed the issues of consumerism and environmental crisis in today's globalized society. In addition, his viewpoint of "Civilization is maintained by virtue rather than by force" still inspired thinking about international relations and social governance.
The forth reason is to appreciate the artistry of language and rhetoric. The expressing way in the book is incisive and humorous. Gu was good at using metaphors and irony. Its debating technique of "countering Western prejudices with Western logic" can be regarded as an early example of cross-cultural communication.
The fifth reason is to refer to the book on self-cultivation and worldly philosophy. The book's advocacy of the "gentlemanly character" (such as self-restraint, emphasizing righteousness, and respecting propriety) provides modern people with a moral reference system to counter utilitarianism. Although it has the limitations of its era, its emphasis on human dignity and spiritual life remains compelling.