书评

In The Spirit of the Chinese People,辜鸿铭 (Ku Hungming), a polymath fluent in nine languages, offers a profound exploration of Chinese culture and its essence. Written during a time of Western criticism, the book defends traditional Chinese values and argues for their timeless relevance.Ku characterizes the Chinese spirit as "eternal youthfulness," rooted in gentle kindness—a compassion born of wisdom. He contrasts this with the rigid rationalism of the West, emphasizing China's harmony with nature and its emphasis on human relationships. For Ku, Mandarin's simplicity conceals profound philosophy, reflecting a culture that values intuition over logic.The author also challenges Western stereotypes, praising Chinese women for embodying grace and moral strength. However, his defense of Confucianism occasionally borders on conservatism, reflecting the era's limitations.Despite its biases, The Spirit of the Chinese People remains a vital text. It prompts reflection on cultural identity and the potential of traditional values to address modern challenges. Ku's passion for China's soulful civilization offers a counter-narrative to Western-centric views, urging readers to seek understanding beyond superficial judgments.