On Ku Hung-ming In The Context Of Western Romantisism

Ku Hung-ming is a special case in the history of modern Chinese thought. The conservative ideas of Ku Hung-ming are mainly derived from Western Romanticism, whose conservative tendency and social criticism, constitute the main resources of the thought of Gu Hongming. This article will place the thoughts of Ku Hung-ming in the context of Western Romanticism,analyzing how western romanticism affect Ku Hung-ming and constitute his thoughts and expressions. Ku Hungming’s thoughts are mainly derived from Western romantic thinkers such as Carlyle, Arnold,Ruskin. They are Carlyle’s concept of hero-worship, and his criticism of industrial society and modern Western civilization, Arnold’s concept of culture and his critic about the Greek culture and the Hebrew culture, Ruskin’s social thoughts and women ethical thoughts,under which is the appreciation of Gu Hongming on Confucian culture based. Conservative tendencies of Romanticism is derived from reflection from the French Revolution and the British industrialization.Ku Hung-ming can not be simply summed up as "feudal" or "conservative". His defense of monarchy, the praise of Confucian culture, his constitution,freedom, democratic ideas,all are excellent.He provide important reference for us to think about the future and destiny of Chinese culture. But, he also pointed out that China needs to learn from the West.His affirmation of Chinese culture is not directly cantradict to the reflection and criticism of Chinese culture.