| Xu Jiyu is one of the the earliest pioneers who has opened up the eyes to observe the world after the Opium War, his thought has important enlightenment significance. As time changed, his awareness of the national problem shows distinct characteristics of the time. Making an overview of the process of formation of his modern national thought, we can analyze it from several aspects.The first part, Xu Jiyu’s traditional concept of Yixia and the cause of its formation. The formation of his traditional conception of Yixia is mainly due to the the impact of cultural environment, family education as well as individual life experiences. In an autocratic age that "the difference between chinese&barbarians" as the guide to handle national relationship, Xu Jiyu’s growth environment, his cultural education would inevitably lead to the confinement of his national thought by tradition, while it is reflected little in his works. In the comment on" Book of the Later Han", he argued that barbarians can be turned into the chinese under certain conditions. He was against that the minority easily launched the war, viewed foreign nationality as barbarians, his national thought was still limited to traditional conception of Yixia.The second part, the transformation process of Xu Jiyu’s national thought. Xu Jiyu joined in the Opium War himself and had a profound understanding of British advanced military technology. But miserable defeat of the war prompted him to analyze the causes of the war and the reasons for the failure, he began to have a new understanding of the relationship between China and the west. The barbarians from the far west and that he always knew were different, so he began to explore the real world. He worked in Fujian, handling trade affairs, having more chance to contact with westerners, for which provided him the best opportunity to explore the reality of the world. He kept in touch with with westerners actively, consult with some western situation, thus deepening his understanding of the West step by step. Meanwhile, he was courteous and polite to westerners, which is totally different from the officials keeping the traditional concept. Under western people’s help, he had finally finished "Yinghuanzhilve" from the beginning of "Textual research of map" for five years after dozens of amendment. The difference between editions reflects the change of his national thought.The third part, the main content of Xu Jiyu’s modern national thought. First, Xu Jiyu placed China and other countries in equal position. He admitted that the world was made up of five continents and four oceans, China was the largest country in Asia territory, which broke through the traditional view of China as the center. On the basis of this, he was able to look at the world objectively. He abandoned the contempt calling of foreign countries, which was the most direct expression of modern national thought. The characters "Yi "in the manuscript of’Yinghuankaolve" were almostly deleted when it turned into "Yinghuanzhilve". He entirely introducted the Western society, not only despised words and calling were not used, but also directly expressed respect and admiration for their advanced technology, the booming business trade and even democratic political institution as well, which implied the voice of learning from the West. In addition, he advocated national self-reliance, safeguard national sovereignty and national independence. Xu Jiyu had clear understanding of the world situation, not only did he find some countries become stronger and stronger after reform, but also found some small countries fight for national independence and felt sorry to those who faced the enemy with no courage and resistance.The fourth part, Xu Jiyu’s practice of his ideas by himself. He is strongly against aggression, safeguarding national interests. After the Opium War, he had prepared a lot for the western powers may start a war again. In case of providing excuse for the invaders he thinks that precautions work should be carried out secretly in order to strive peace time for our country. As for the civil conflict between Chinese and foreign people, he tried to be fair and impartial to handle events according to the Treaty,expecting westerners and us at peace. In diplomatic activities, he followed the Treaty, and steadily proceed diplomacy. Shenguang Temple event was an typical example that reflects his diplomatic strategy arguing on the basis of reason according to the Treaty, which was a sharp contrast to the attitude of expelling outsiders. Tong Wen college was another try to practice his thought. He actively reformed this place, expecting that through learning from the west, could educate talented people who adapted to the requirements of our modern society, only for national self-reliance. The fifth part, the impact of Xu Jiyu’s modern national thought. Firstly, he and his works’ Yinghuanzhilve’has made a profound influence on Japan, the value of his works haven’t been understood until the domestic situation has become increasingly urgent as well as people has deepened the knowledge from abroad. Xu Jiyu’s modern national thought is the enlightenment for Chinese modern national thought. |
