| Beneath the surface of Chou Tso-jen's contradictory appearance as both a radical and conservative May Fourth intellectual there exists a conformity and continuity in Chou's behavior and thought. Taking the establishment of a "new value system" as the highest goal, Chou Tso-jen was occupied by two major concerns: the development of individuality and the social transformation for the fulfillment of the individualistic "humane life", a life that synthesizes individuality, humanity and the "orientalistic" aesthetics. It was in this vein that Chou took part in the New Literature Movement and the New Thought Tide Movement. It was also in this vein that he maintained a preference for the Confucian concept of Li (norms and institutions) and the "orientalistic spiritual" life. This view accounts for both Chou's "progressive" and "conservative" appearance.; Chapter I analyzes the familial, educational, intellectual and aesthetic background of Chou Tso-jen's thought. The combined impact of Chinese, Japanese and European cultures on Chou is also discussed.; Chapter II discusses Chou's roles in the Anti Li-chiao and New Thought Tide Movements. As a member of the New Youth group, Chou added significantly to the group's promotion of science and democracy, yet at the same time maintained his own preference for Confucian ideals and an "artistic" life.; Chapter III reviews the development of individualism in modern China. As individualistic concepts from Yen Fu to Hu Shih all emphasized sacrifice of the individual to the collective good, Chou's emphasis on man's naturalness and his effort to maintain a balance between individual and society had special meaning at that time.; Chapter IV is a study of Chou's literary outlook. While Chou promoted individualistic literature during the New Literature Movement, he also emphasized literature's effectiveness in transforming the "national spirit."; Chapter V is devoted to Chou's cultural and political ideals, which were made clear in his enthusiasm for the New Village Movement. The failure of this movement ended Chou's utopianism and forced him to recontemplate China's spiritual and practical future. |
