我們為何要讀經典? 論中國近代思想史中的經典話語及其實踐

Why should we read the classics? What are the meanings of classics to modern people? This thinking per se embodies the traits of modernity. Therefore, thinking triggered by the inquiry into the question of “Why should we read the classics?” should produce the answer different from that of tradition. In view of this point, this essay aims to delve into the discourses and narrative context about the implementation of education of classics in the intellectual history of modern China, in hopes of initiating the smooth interactions between us and this question through such retrospection. This essay will make an observation of how classics will be expounded its legitimacy through “salvation” and “enlightenment,” the two basic historical narratives constituting the legality of knowledge in modern history, further to investigate how the ruler will apply “classics reading movement” to solidify cultural hegemony and explore the opponent power triggered by the preceding factor as this power rebut s the classics as counter-revolution and conservatism. Eventually, we will try to develop an in-depth understanding of how classics become the tool as the intention of the authority of the national government to discipline people. This essay aims to clarify modern people’s basic attitude towards Chinese classics through this investigation.