The Transformation of Traditional Literati Spirit Reflected in Liang Qichao's Impressions of a European Journey
Abstract
The interaction between Chinese and Western civilizations and the change of social systems in modern China have caused structural changes in the spirit of traditional literati. Modern overseas travel literature serves as an important medium to record the ideological transformation of scholar-officials. After World War I exposed the fundamental defects of Western civilization, under the background that discussions about Chinese and Western cultures were opposed in China, Liang Qichao wrote his travelogue "Impressions of a European Journey" based on personal visits to Europe, departing from the narrow scope of theoretical discussion. By using three research methods - literature review, close textual analysis and verification of historical records with texts - this paper takes "Impressions of a European Journey" as the main case and studies it from three aspects: national responsibility, cultural attitude and statecraft practices. The research indicates that the travel diary reflects three significant transformations in the spirit of scholar-officials: the focus of national concern changed from supporting the monarch to saving the country and its people; the cultural views shifted from a Chinese-centred perspective to mutual learning between China and Western countries; and the way of statecraft moved from empty scholarly discourse to practical investigations abroad. This spiritual innovation realizes the modernization of the traditional Confucian spirit and redefines the ideological core of modern travel literature. Not only does it show the process of traditional literati transforming into modern intellectuals, but it also forms a new writing pattern for subsequent overseas travelogues.
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