중국 新人文主義 지도자 吳宓의 낭만적 성향 연구

Abstract

During his years of study at Harvard, Wu-Mi was profoundly influenced by Irving Babbit’s Neo-humanism. Based upon the thoughts of numerous ancient sages, such as Plato, Aristotle, Confucius, and Mencius, Neo-humanism was a trend that criticized contemporary society and culture. Wu-Mi adamantly believed that such a supranational principle integrated the cultures and traditions of all ages and countries. After returning to China in 1921, Wu-Mi became the editor of Critical Review and opposed the destruction of tradition by the New Culture Movement until 1931. Furthermore, he attempted to create an enduring New Culture by extracting the essence of the thoughts of both eastern and western scholars. Contrary to his orthodox tendency in academics, Wu-Mi was exceptionally passionate in love and marriage. In order to maintain his romantic relationship with Mao-Yanwen, he resolutely divorced Chen-Xinyi. Not only that, but he also had a great number of love affairs with women from various backgrounds. Wu-Mi’s obsession with the management of Critical Review at a time when the New Culture Movement was embedded firmly in China can also be considered quixotic. In addition to his inherent personality, these romantic characteristics of Wu -Mi can be contributed to the idealistic aspect of the New Culture Movement. Hence, although Wu-Mi was against the movement, he is deemed an avant-garde figure who sought another way to accomplish “New Culture”.