Cai Yuanpei became the president of Peking University and hired Chen Duxiu as the dean of liberal arts, which brought together the ideological trends advocating education to save the country and culture to save the country at Peking University. Through Cai Yuanpei's innovation and the New Culture Movement, Peking University quickly emerged with a new look, and the most important thing was to form a scientific and democratic school character, a sound and striving personality, an innovative and progressive academic character, and a group character with self-conscious personality. Peking University is the first fiddler in education, ideology and culture, and naturally became the center and leader in the May 4th Movement, which had epoch-making historical significance. When reviewing the relationship between Peking University and the May 4th Movement, we should pay attention to tracing the origins and exploring more intrinsic connections, which will be more meaningful for understanding today's strategic decisions to rejuvenate the country through science and education.
It cannot be said that Peking University has not made progress in the more than 10 years since the founding of the National Academy of Sciences until Cai Yuanpei came to take office, especially in the five or six years after Cai Yuanpei took charge of the Ministry of Education. However, its progress was ultimately limited and it was not able to Breaking away from the old stereotypes of the feudal academic bureaucracy, even before Cai Yuanpei took over, he thought that Peking University was "notorious" and had some concerns. In his inaugural speech, he pointed out: "Every time outsiders accuse the school of corruption, those who study here have the idea of ??becoming an official and getting rich. Therefore, those who graduate from preparatory majors tend to enter the law field, few enter the liberal arts field, and even fewer enter the science field. Taking law as a shortcut to the end of the world.”12 Therefore, students do not focus on their studies in school, but are obsessed with power and fame, waiting to get a diploma. It is very obvious that such a student from Peking University can set an example for others and make a difference? If this situation is not fundamentally changed, I am afraid that even if the Shandong issue at the Paris Peace Conference occurs later, it is difficult to imagine that there will be the kind of May 4th newspaper drama that shocked the world.
The reason why Peking University had such high prestige and played such a big role in the May 4th Movement could not have arisen out of thin air, but was the result of the innovation and New Culture Movement led by Cai Yuanpei. *Same result. It was the combined force of these two that enabled Peking University to perform a new historical scene almost naturally in the face of the sudden news of the Paris Peace Conference.
For Peking University, the most memorable thing should not be the May 4th Movement itself,13 but the deeper and more fundamental sources that enabled Peking University to adapt to social and historical needs. Spirit. This deeper source and more essential spirit was developed and formed by all the teachers and students led by President Cai Yuanpei and centered on the elite group of Peking University through years of collective efforts and cultivation. It has great influence on Peking University and even the entire Chinese culture and society. Society has a more far-reaching significance and is a more precious traditional and spiritual wealth of Peking University. In order to indicate the background of its formation, it can of course be referred to as the "May Fourth" tradition. However, the May 4th Movement, as a special historical event, can only specify, express or develop certain aspects of this traditional and spiritual essence, but cannot be all of it. In the past, part was often used to replace the whole, and special was used to replace the general. I think this is inappropriate.
What is the deeper source and more essential spirit of Cai Yuanpei’s innovation and the New Culture Movement under his support that provided the May Fourth Movement and the subsequent development of Peking University? This requires people to constantly think and discuss, but judging from the relationship between Peking University and the May 4th Movement and its role in this movement, Peking University has indeed formed new qualities at this time, and has indeed achieved academic, ideological and cultural achievements. It has the conditions to become the center of people’s faith in terms of social activities and social activities. I think this condition mainly lies in the following aspects:
(1) The school character of “high” and “big”, scientific and democratic
What does Cai Yuanpei want to make Peking University into? What does it look like? What is its ideal goal? What is the school format he wants to determine? In short, I think it is both "high" and "big". The so-called "high" refers to the school's moral, intellectual, physical, aesthetic and especially academic level; while the so-called "big" mainly refers to the inclusiveness of various talents and academics. The organic combination of the two was the standard and school character pursued by Peking University at that time, and it was the position it sought to establish in China and the world.
The predecessor of Peking University was because it was a nationally-appointed capital university. In terms of height, it can certainly be said to be unique. However, this is not what Cai Yuanpei wanted for Peking University, but that its academic level should be high and deep. The first thing he proposed in his inauguration speech was to "hold a firm purpose". This is the "nature of a prophetic school." He emphasized: "A great scholar is someone who studies advanced knowledge." 14 Therefore, it should never be a training center for officials and businessmen, nor should it be an ordinary college that only acquires certain work and health skills. It is based on this character and standard that Cai Yuanpei seeks suitable teachers, recruits suitable students, plans the design and construction of disciplines, and carries out a series of reforms, training and cultivation. The goal he wants to achieve is to Peking University has become the world's first-class university. This world-class level, according to the standards he examined and was familiar with, was first of all comparable to that of the University of Berlin.
In order to achieve this goal, he said: "I follow the general practice of universities in various countries and follow the principle of freedom of thought to be inclusive of various schools of thought." This is the reason why the university is a great university and why Peking University is a great university. The most fundamental conditions and guarantees. Cai Yuanpei said: "No matter what school of thought, if what they say is reasonable and adheres to it, it will not reach the fate of natural elimination. Even if they are opposite to each other, let them develop freely.
”15 Cai Yuanpei’s policy and practice of striving for academic proficiency and fully free development of talents and schools, and being inclusive, are the most practical embodiment of the principles of science and democracy in school education. Cai Yuanpei implements the teaching method in the entire school management School governance and student self-governance cannot be achieved without centralization and monopoly of power, which is absolutely impossible without the spirit of true scientific democracy. "Democracy" is actually the school motto of Peking University, which is the fundamental source of Peking University's lofty status during the May Fourth period.
(2) A sound and striving personality
Before Cai Yuanpei. Peking University has been criticized by the current generation for its personality deficiencies. It is an important part of Cai Yuanpei's reform and an important part of the New Culture Movement to attach great importance to shaping Peking University's new personality. In short, it is soundness and integrity. Struggle. The so-called "health" means to resist and eliminate the legacy of feudalism and bad habits. The so-called "completeness" means to adapt to and meet the needs of knowledge, emotion and intention in modern life.
In his inaugural speech, Cai Yuanpei asked students to hold on to their purpose and correct their interests in life. At the same time, he also demanded that students must "sharpen their virtues" and resist and eliminate all kinds of vulgar, self-defeating and harmful ideological behaviors. The first thing is to overcome the temptation to get promoted and make a fortune. As the purpose of life. He said: "The first thing we need to reform is students' concepts. That is to say, students should truly understand: "College students should regard academic research as their bounden duty and should not use university as a ladder to promotion and wealth." 16 He asked students to "restrain oneself and love oneself" and "set an example and strive to correct the decadent customs". "To not cultivate virtues and not to learn is to be in line with the vulgarity and the dirty world. It is enough to be insulted by others, not to mention touching people." ”17 He believes: “Scholars should be interested in studying knowledge, and in particular, they should develop the personality of a scholar. ” 18 So, he then initiated the establishment of the "Jin De Association". The three precepts of "no prostitution, no gambling, and no taking concubines" were regarded as category A members; and the two precepts of not being an official and not being a member were included as category B members; plus no As a Category C member, Cai Yuanpei believes that this can not only "restrain oneself", but also "thank others" and "stop slander". Peking University's reputation is the most important.
In terms of requiring teachers and students to have "healthy" personalities, the "Jindehui" is already very strict. However, if it is limited to this, it will inevitably be a bit boring. Negativity cannot be long-term pursued by most people, nor can it fully reflect the meaning of life and the needs of modern society. Therefore, Cai Yuanpei strongly advocates aesthetic education and other noble cultural, sports and social activities to achieve health and wellness.
Compared with Cai Yuanpei, the New Culture Movement based on "New Youth" focuses more on the positive and progressive aspects of youth personality shaping. Its essence is fundamentally ". Struggle." It requires young people to emancipate their minds and personalities, and to "break away from the shackles of husbands and slaves in order to realize their independent and free personality. ” 20 It emphasizes: Young people “should distinguish this first when making meritorious deeds.” "Otherwise, everything is just an ornament for slaves. According to this fundamental standard, it leads young people to criticize ideas and culture, dare to break through all feudal snares, and resist power. As Lu Xun said: "Peking University always fights against the forces of darkness. , even if it’s just yourself. ”21
(3) Opening up a new and progressive academic style
Cai Yuanpei’s requirements for the academic space of Peking University are “high” and “big”, while in terms of time, "New" is required. He always emphasizes repeatedly that "scientific research" is the purpose of this school. "For this "purpose", "I always say it once every year at the beginning of school", which is to "seek knowledge for the sake of learning." 22 He emphasized: "Professors and lecturers should not only teach, but also not let go of all opportunities that are beneficial to their own research. , keep your knowledge updated and stay active. "23 In order to make Peking University "continuously updated" academically, he encouraged people to ensure spiritual progress. He once said: "Students in school must have both a lively and enterprising spirit and a solid and patient spirit. There is the first spirit, so there are inventions and creations. There is a second kind of spirit, which is unmoved by interests and concerns, free from restraints, concentrated on one thing, and prepared for inventions and creations. ” He asked students to learn from the national characteristics of France, the United States, Britain and Germany and “nurture” this spirit. 24
People learn from the academic innovation and improvement of teachers and students at Peking University. It is not difficult to draw conclusions from the results published in New Youth, Peking University Monthly, Xin Chao, National and other publications during the period. This is the most glorious symbol of Peking University’s academic character. As the vanguard of the new and improved movement, we must lead China on a good and upward path. He even said: Although Peking University has suffered from "many plots" and "rumors" for this reason, and the teachers and students have also "changed somewhat year by year," "the upward spirit has always been consistent and has not necessarily slackened." ”25 The academic state that Cai Yuanpei is most opposed to is “self-absorption and self-reliance.” 26 The literary revolution, ethical revolution, political and ideological revolution, etc. in the New Culture Movement all originated from Peking University.
(IV) ) Self-conscious group character
Saving the country requires being gregarious; the prosperity and decline of a country depends on group governance - this is a question that some explorers at the beginning of this century have long raised. However, unfortunately they have not yet. Find a better way to solve this problem.
In 1901, Liang Qichao believed that the Chinese “can only suffer autocracy and cannot enjoy freedom.
He took the Chinese Association he saw as an example, saying that there were only two situations in which meetings could be held: one was that "one or two powerful people from the upper class would not disobey their words, and everyone would just obey their word." It's called a meeting, but it's actually a notice and an order. "Groups like this are naturally a deformation of autocracy. The other kind is the opposite. It is not the "powerful people" who control everything, but some "rogue youths" who "gather up to make noise" and achieve nothing. This is another kind of In the form of "mob autocracy" 27. With these two situations, how can it be possible for China to have mass governance in the true modern sense? Liang Qichao believes: "Those who criticize a group of people have no virtue of being gregarious. ” But how to solve it, he believes: “The virtue of being gregarious” is to “use oneself to a group of people, and always be willing to stay in a small group to join a large group.” Of course, it is reasonable to use "groups" to solve the problem of state power, and some countries have done it and achieved violent results for a while. This is naturally the fascism of the 20th century. In fact, the educational purpose of the Qing Dynasty was to teach "loyalty to the emperor" Put together with "Shang Qun", you can imagine what kind of "Qun" it is.
The Peking University Qun was jointly cultivated by Cai Yuanpei and "New Youth". The concept of governance has pushed this concept and practice into a new era, and its core is to build this kind of group on the basis of personality consciousness.
Attach importance to people's personality development and consciousness. Paying attention to people's group concept and the cultivation of group habits are important components of Cai Yuanpei's educational thought. In fact, a series of modern groups at Peking University emerged because of Cai Yuanpei's advocacy or support. For example, "New Youth". 》group was invited from Shanghai to Peking University as soon as he took office. After that, various societies (including various societies, etc.) were established. For example, in March 1917, the Lecture Committee and the Council were established; The Thrift Society; in November, a student bank was established; in December, the Calligraphy Research Society, the Sports Society, the Novel Research Society, the Oratory Society, and the Professors' Society were established; in January 1918, the Jinde Society was established; in February, the Painting Research Society and the Music Society were established. Youth League and Aesthetics Society; in July, the Journalism Research Society and the National Salvation Association were established; in October, the Hygiene Society was established; in December, the "Weekly Review" was published, the "National" magazine and the "New Wave" were established, and preparations were made for national vocational schools and above Federation, a consumer commune was established. In January 1919, a faculty and staff club was established; in February, a fitness club was established; in March, a civilian education lecture group was established; in April, an association for students studying in the United States was established; and so on. Incomplete information shows that before the May 4th Movement, in just over two years, Peking University was a school-wide group (some of which were beyond the scope of the school, but non-school-wide groups are not included here). Research has shown What a lively scene! This kind of scene would not have been possible if it had not been for the rejection and criticism of feudal cultural absolutism and the rise of scientific and democratic ideas. And the emergence of all these groups was not preceded by anything. It is premised on "self-defense". On the contrary, it is premised on people's liberation and individuality consciousness. It is precisely because of this that these groups have vitality and vitality. No matter how long they exist, they are of great significance to new education and New culture and cultivating new talents have all played different roles.
Among the student groups of Peking University, the most influential ones established before the May 4th Movement were the National Society, the New Wave Society and the New Wave Society. The establishment of the Civilian Education Lecture Group was supported by Cai Yuanpei. For the founding of the National magazine, Cai Yuanpei wrote a preface for it. He believed that the "obligation" of Peking University students is to "study" and their vocation should be "study." "Study advanced knowledge", this journal should not be established. However, now it "sacrifice the time and effort of studying to engage in the business of ordinary citizens" is really "forced by patriotism and has no choice but to do so." "At that time, most citizens were "indifferent" to state affairs, and some "powerful people", that is, the rulers in power, were "committed to destroying the country." Therefore, at this time, only a few people who love the country can rely on Students rise up and struggle. In other words, this is entirely due to the students' personality consciousness. Cai Yuanpei told them to be "associate students with personality", that is, (1) correct; (2) pure; and (3) broad. "", Cai Yuanpei proposed: "To accumulate small groups into large groups, the interests and harms of the small group must be based on those that do not conflict with the interests of the large group." "The criterion for the interests of large groups is neither the authoritative position of a certain leader, nor the interests of a special group, nor even the interests of a country, but the humanitarian principles and ideals consistent with the country. He said: “May National Magazine not promote extremely self-interested nationalism. ”29 Because this kind of nationalism is exactly what the newly defeated Germany pursues.
In Cai Yuanpei’s educational thoughts, more emphasis is placed on cultivating students’ consciousness, self-reliance and autonomy, rather than simply After the May 4th Movement, the Beijing warlord government always gave top priority to suppressing and controlling students, shouting to "rectify the academic style." But even so, when the school started in 1920, Cai Yuanpei still "hoped that everyone would practice self-government." "Lead by example" and "take care of each other". "Everyone can manage themselves, and classmates can manage each other. Don't be like before, and it must be managed by the superintendent, dormitory superintendent, etc." ”30 Fundamentally speaking, Cai Yuanpei advocates “university independence. "He believes: "Education is to help the educated person, to enable him to develop his own abilities, complete his personality, and fulfill his part in human culture; it cannot turn the educated person into a special instrument. It is for use by people with other purposes.
Therefore, education should be completely handed over to educators, who should maintain their independent qualifications and should not be affected by any political parties or churches. "He emphasized that: "Education requires the average development of individuality and group character. Political parties want to create a special group character and obliterate individuality. Education seeks long-term results; political party policies seek short-term results. Therefore, education must be transcended from political parties. ”31
From the perspective of Peking University, all its societies during this period were combined on the basis of full individual consciousness and reflected the balanced development of personality and group nature. This is also the core of Peking University’s community groups. This special and valuable character is one of the important conditions for being able to withstand severe storms and assume important responsibilities during the May Fourth Movement.
After Peking University formed the above-mentioned basic characteristics, it was able to withstand the severe test of the May 4th Movement. It should be said that the special role played in the Fourth Movement has been established
The center and leading position of the Third and May Fourth Movements
Cai Yuanpei’s innovation of Peking University and its role. The New Culture Movement that we supported was, of course, not just for the needs of the May Fourth Movement, but to lay a long-term foundation for the revitalization and development of China. However, the sudden May Fourth incident did demonstrate the innovation and New Culture Movement of Peking University. Some achievements. The relationship between Peking University and the May 4th Movement is simply that it is the center and leader of this movement. This status is formed historically and is proved by practice. I can only briefly outline some of its main points.
(1) Before the May Fourth Movement, Peking University had established its position as the first violinist in my country's ideological, cultural and educational circles.
After several years of hard work, by the time of the May 4th Movement, Peking University had become the truly highest institution of learning and ideological and cultural center in my country. It not only had an unparalleled first-class president, but also had first-class enlightenment thinkers, cultural elites and famous people. Professors. Among students, there are also a number of elite figures whose achievements have exerted great appeal to the people across the country through publications such as "New Youth", "Weekly Review", and "New Wave". p>(2) Before the May Fourth Movement, Peking University had conducted two ideological, cultural and political exercises
1. Defeat the attacks of the old forces represented by Lin Qinnan
In March 1919, Lin Qinnan attacked Peking University's innovation and new culture movement, and Gongyan Daily and China Daily also spread rumors. This was a counterattack by the feudal conservative forces against Peking University's innovation and new culture movement. Strong refutation, 32 intellectual circles across the country also expressed their support, which finally wiped out the attack, increased the momentum of the New Culture Movement, and increased society's trust in Peking University.
2. The first large-scale attack. The student patriotic petition movement has launched an impact on imperialism and warlords
In May 1918, in order to oppose Duan Qirui’s traitorous military agreement with Japan, Li Da, a delegation of returning students from Japan, Wang Xitian and Gong Debei waited until Peking University contacted Xu Deheng and Deng Zhongxia. Peking University took the lead and organized more than 2,000 students to petition the president and prime minister. Although such a large-scale petition failed to achieve its goal, it was carried out in the May Fourth Movement of the following year. A preview of the movement.
After the failure of this petition, Xu Deheng, Deng Zhongxia, Yi Keyi and others continued to carry out more extensive and in-depth propaganda and organization work. They established the "Student Patriotic League" because of their patriotism. At that time, the word was considered to be nationally narrow-minded and backward, so it was changed to "Student National Salvation Corps". They organized the "National" magazine, edited and published the "National" publication, and clearly stated: "enhancing national personality", "instilling national common sense", "researching academics", and "promoting domestic products". They also sent Xu Deheng and Yi Keyi to Tianjin, Wuhan, Jiujiang, Nanjing, and Shanghai to establish contacts. Almost all the active figures in the student circles were united, and they even had contact with Sun Yat-sen and Feng Yuxiang. In the spring of 1919, Peking University established a student union, and the "Student National Salvation Corps" joined it and became its backbone. This actually made important organizational preparations for the May Fourth Movement.
(3) Role in the May Fourth Movement
Peking University has always been at the center and played a leading role in the May Fourth Movement. This status and role is irreplaceable by any other school or group. Here, only the important ones are briefly mentioned.
1. The earliest expresser of the Chinese people’s firm position
Not long after the opening of the Paris Peace Conference, on February 5, 1919, more than 2,000 Peking University students gathered in the Law School Auditorium and held a speech on the spot. More than ten officers were sent out, and they united with students from each school to call the five Chinese envoys attending the peace conference, "asking them to stick to the previous discussion and not give in." 33
2. The earliest initiator of the movement< /p>
After the news of the failure at the Paris Peace Conference came out on May 1 and 2, the "National" magazine decided to plan and organize the "May 7th" demonstrations. On May 3, Xu Deheng learned from President Cai Yuanpei that the State Council had secretly ordered the Chinese delegation to sign at the Paris Peace Conference, and immediately gathered representatives from various schools participating in the "National" magazine for a meeting in Xizhai, Peking University. Cai Yuanpei came to speak in person and said: "The great powers have recognized Japan's unreasonable demands to seize many of our rights and interests in Shandong, and our government will be forced to sign the peace treaty. If unfortunately this happens, the future of the country will be unimaginable." The meeting decided On the evening of the 3rd, an all-student meeting was held in the auditorium of the Third Hospital of Peking University.
At that time, 12 schools including Beijing Normal University, Engineering College, Medical College, Law College, Agricultural College, China University, Chaoyang Law School, Huiwen School, Republic of China University, Railway Management School, Taxation School, and Higher Police School will also send representatives. Participated in the meeting, law student Liao Shucang served as chairman, and liberal arts student Xu Deheng was responsible for drafting the declaration. Law student Xie Shaomin bit off his middle finger on the spot, tore off his clothes, and wrote in blood "Give me back Qingdao" to four universities. The atmosphere at the venue was very tragic. After Shao Piaoping reported the situation, the students rushed to give speeches, forming a mobilization meeting to pledge their loyalty. It was decided that all schools would gather in front of Tiananmen Square on May 4 to hold a demonstration, and then they split up and made preparations overnight. Obviously, without the rapid and violent response of Cai Yuanpei and Peking University students, at least the May 4th demonstration would not have been launched.
3. The organizer and conductor of rallies and marches and the disseminator of the voice of justice
The rally and march in front of Tiananmen with more than 3,000 people was chaired by Fu Sinian of "New Wave" Conductor, the "Beijing Student Declaration" drafted by Xu Deheng was read and approved at the meeting, and more than 10,000 copies of the "Beijing Academic Circle Notice" drafted by Luo Jialun of "New Wave" were distributed along the way. The Declaration said: "As for the country's survival, the land is divided, and the problems are urgent, and the people are still unable to make a big decision and make the final angry rescue, they are the bastards of the twentieth century and have no words for mankind. That's right. Are there any of our compatriots who cannot bear the pain of slaves and horses and are desperate to save them? Then we hold national meetings, give speeches in the open air, and hold on to the cause of today. Those who are willing to betray the country and commit adultery will be the last ones. To deal with it, pistols and bombs are useless." 34 The "Notice" said: "China's land can be conquered, but not destroyed! The Chinese people can be killed, but not bowed down! The country is destroyed!" 35 These two materials are actually the strongest voice expressing the will of the people of the country, spearheaded by Peking University.
4. Initiators of the national movement
In order to promote the patriotic movement nationwide, the Beijing Students Federation selected Peking University students Xu Deheng and Huang Rikui as representatives to Tianjin, Jinan, Nanjing, and Shanghai. Publicity appeal. On May 21, representatives of student federations from various regions held a mass meeting at the Longhua Stadium in Shanghai. Xu Deheng and others gave speeches at the meeting. After the meeting, various road liaison committees were established. On June 6, Shanghai's business, academic, industrial and newspaper circles held a joint meeting, at which Xu Deheng reported on the situation in Beijing. At this time, the industrial and commercial circles finally "went on strike together with the academic circles." They said they "will not look back."
On June 9, at the initiative of Peking University, the National Student Federation Preparatory Office was established at the Nanyang Commercial College on Jing'an Temple Road, Shanghai. On June 16, the founding meeting was held in the auditorium of Xianshi Company’s East Asia Restaurant. There are 11 student representatives in Beijing, including 3 representatives from Peking University, namely Xu Deheng, Huang Rikui and Duan Xipeng. Later, student unions were also established in various places.
5. The embodiment of indomitable strong will and fearless spirit of sacrifice
Peking University is the "head of the army", and the Beijing government's suppression and persecution take it as the main target. The most vicious thing was to force the principal Cai Yuanpei away. The teachers and students of Peking University not only showed their strong will to "resist evil" and "eliminate evil", but also showed their unshakable determination to save Cai and "defend the good". They see through all the conspiracies and tricks of the reactionary government. They are not afraid of the reactionary government's military and police bayonets, guns, cavalry, or even threats to burn to death. They are not afraid of the reactionary government's orders, prisons, courts, torture, hunger, and all torture. They are truly dedicated to serving the people. Truth and justice are "mighty and unyielding." During their suppression by the reactionaries, Peking University suffered the greatest suffering and sacrifice. For example:
Of the 32 people arrested on May 4, 20 were students from Peking University.
During the speech on June 3, 170 to 80 students were arrested, with Peking University students accounting for 70 to 80 percent.
Guo Qinguang, a 24-year-old liberal arts preparatory student, fell ill and participated in the parade. He was injured by military police and vomited blood to death. These are all outstanding examples.
However, Peking University, with the support of all walks of life across the country, finally led to the victory of the May 4th Movement. The ideological and cultural achievements of the Peking University innovation led by Cai Yuanpei and the New Culture Movement advocated by "New Youth" were reflected in the May 4th Movement. shine and be further consolidated and developed. Peking University students who were baptized by the May Fourth Movement played an unusual historical role on the Chinese stage in the 20th century.