In 1898, on an ordinary winter day, in a small village in Danyang, Jiangsu, an extraordinary life was born. His parents could never have imagined that this child would become a great educator and patriot in modern Chinese history. His whole life is like a loyal watchdog, whimpering and barking for the country, trying to wake up the sleeping people. However, when he lay on the sickbed and looked back, he said self-deprecatingly: "I am just a dog, but my dog barked for 100 years, but it has not been able to wake up China." "
Who is this centenarian? Why is he so humble? What did he experience in his life, and what contributions did he make to China? Why did he make such a pathetic exclamation at the end of his life? Let us walk into the life of this great educator and explore his deep patriotic feelings and deep expectations for the Chinese nation.
Young Ma Xiangbo: The growth and faith of a smart boy
In 1854, Ma Xiangbo was born in a small village in Danyang, Jiangsu. This era coincided with the Taiping Rebellion in full swing and Chinese society was in turmoil. Ma Xiangbo's parents were devout Catholics, and they held on to their faith in these chaotic times, and at the same time passed it on to the young Ma Xiangbo.
Ma Xiangbo has shown extraordinary wisdom since he was a child. When he was five years old, his parents did not hesitate to spend a lot of money to send him to a local private school. In those days, being able to get an education was a luxury. However, Ma Xiangbo's parents are well aware of the importance of knowledge, and they want their children to become useful people in society through learning.
In the private school, Ma Xiangbo came into contact with the traditional Four Books and Five Classics. However, unlike other peers, he was not bound by these ancient texts. On the contrary, he showed a keen interest in Western scientific knowledge, especially the mysteries of the movement of celestial bodies. This thirst for new knowledge laid the foundation for his future learning and growth.
At the age of 12, Ma Xiangbo ushered in an important turning point in his life. With excellent grades, he was admitted to a secondary school founded by the Christian Church. Here, he was exposed not only to more Western knowledge, but also to an in-depth understanding of the teachings of Christianity. This experience had a profound impact on Ma Xiangbo's worldview.
During his study and life in a Christian middle school, Ma Xiangbo gradually formed his own beliefs. He was moved by Jesus' spirit of love and sacrifice, and at the same time attracted by the advanced science and technology of the West. This collision of Eastern and Western cultures resonated strongly in the young Ma Xiangbo's heart, and also planted the seeds for his future educational philosophy.
However, Ma Xiangbo's growth was not all smooth sailing. As he grew older, he became more and more aware of the crisis facing his country. At that time, China was in the predicament of invasion by foreign powers and the decline of its national strength. Ma Xiangbo witnessed the ignorance of the Chinese people and the corruption and incompetence of the government, and these realities deeply pierced his young heart.
In order to better understand the world and find a way out for the motherland, Ma Xiangbo decided to leave his hometown and came to Shanghai, an emerging international city. Here, he witnessed first-hand the huge gap between China and the Western world. The prosperity of the concession was in stark contrast to the dilapidated Chinese town, and this contrast made Ma Xiangbo feel distressed.
It was in Shanghai that Ma Xiangbo came up with the idea of changing the fate of the country through education. He realized that in order to awaken the Chinese people, they must first be educated and broaden their horizons. As a result, he began to teach in private schools and schools, teaching traditional Chinese culture and introducing advanced Western ideas to students.
Ma Xiangbo's teaching method was quickly welcomed by the students. He is not only knowledgeable, but also adept at expressing profound truths in simple language. In his classes, students not only learned knowledge, but more importantly, they began to think about the future of the country and their responsibilities.
However, it is not enough to teach in private schools and small schools. Ma Xiangbo realized that in order to truly change the status quo of education in China, greater efforts must be made. So he began to hatch plans for a new type of school. This project will completely change the trajectory of his life and write a strong stroke in the history of modern education in China.
Education to save the country: Ma Xiangbo's ideals and practices
Ma Xiangbo's road to education to save the country began with the establishment of Aurora University. In 1903, despite the opposition of his family, he donated all the more than 3,000 acres of land in his hometown to establish a new type of school. This move caused quite a stir in Chinese society at that time. Many people don't understand why Ma Xiangbo is so "self-sacrificing", but in his view, this is only the first step in realizing the ideal of education to save the country.
The founding of Aurora University was not without its challenges. First of all, Ma Xiangbo is facing the problem of lack of funds. Although he had donated his entire family fortune, the funds needed to start a university were much more than that. In order to raise more funds, Ma Xiangbo traveled around and collected donations from people from all walks of life. His sincerity and enthusiasm touched many people, and he eventually raised enough money.
Secondly, Ma Xiangbo is also facing the dilemma of insufficient teachers. In China at that time, there were very few teachers who understood both traditional Chinese culture and advanced Western thought. To this end, Ma Xiangbo personally served as a teacher for many courses, and at the same time actively recruited returned scholars from overseas. He even hires foreign experts to teach at the school at a high salary to ensure that students can receive the most advanced education.
Aurora University's curriculum also reflects Ma Xiangbo's educational philosophy. He insisted on the combination of Chinese and Western, and set up both the traditional Four Books and Five Classics courses, as well as Western science and technology courses. This teaching model was unique in China at that time, attracting a large number of aspiring young people to study.
Ma Xiangbo takes special care of poor students. He set up a special scholarship system, which not only exempted students from poor families but also provided them with living allowances. He often said to his students: "As long as you study for the motherland, then wherever you go, I will sponsor you." "This selfless spirit touched the mysteries.
However, with the development of Aurora University, the contradictions between Ma Xiangbo and the church became increasingly acute. As a school funded by the Catholic Church, Aurora University is inevitably influenced by the Church in its curriculum. The church hopes that schools will offer more theology courses, while Ma Xiangbo insists on cultivating patriotic talents and emphasizes the importance of science education.
This contradiction eventually led to Ma Xiangbo's break with the church. In 1905, the church dismissed Ma Xiangbo on the grounds that he "did not follow the canons". After this news came out, it caused strong dissatisfaction among the students. A large number of students went on strike to protest and demand that the school retract its order.
In the face of the support of the students, Ma Xiangbo was very moved. But he knew that if he continued to stay at Aurora University, it would only exacerbate the conflict and affect the normal operation of the university. So, he took the initiative to persuade the students to resume classes, and said: "Although I am gone, my heart is still here with you." You must study the knowledge well, and if theology is only taught here, then you will go somewhere else. "
Ma Xiangbo's departure has caused Aurora University to lose a large number of outstanding students. But his educational ideals were not extinguished by this. With the support of many enthusiastic people, Ma Xiangbo soon set about founding a new school, Fudan University.
The name of Fudan University is taken from the allusion of "the sun and the moon are glorious, and the sun and the moon are bright, and the sun is full of glory", which means the restoration of China. Ma Xiangbo poured his life's work into this new school. He continued the educational philosophy of Aurora University, focusing not only on the inheritance of traditional culture, but also on the education of science and technology.
At Fudan University, Ma Xiangbo further refined his educational thinking. He put forward the concept of comprehensive development of "morality, intelligence, physique, group and beauty", emphasizing the cultivation of students' patriotic sentiment and sense of social responsibility. He often admonished his students: "Learning is not for personal fame and fortune, but for the rejuvenation of China." "
Ma Xiangbo's educational practice soon had a profound impact across the country. More and more people of insight began to pay attention to and support his educational career. Fudan University has also grown to become one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in China.
However, Ma Xiangbo knows that he cannot change the status quo of education in China alone. He began to actively participate in social activities and called for more people to pay attention to the cause of education. He gave speeches everywhere, propagating and educating the concept of national salvation, hoping to arouse the awakening of more people.
Although Ma Xiangbo's efforts have achieved certain results, he has always felt that he is unable to do so. The poverty and weakness of the country and the ignorance of the people are not problems that can be solved in a short time. But Ma Xiangbo never gave up, and he firmly believed that as long as he continued to work hard, one day, the power of education would change the fate of China.
The Screaming Dog: Ma Xiangbo's Patriotism and Social Responsibility
Ma Xiangbo's life is not only the life of an educator, but also the life of a patriot. He once said: "My dog barked for a hundred years, just to wake China up." This sentence expresses his deep anxiety about the fate of the country and his commitment to social responsibility.
In 1911, the Xinhai Revolution broke out. Ma Xiangbo, who was over half a hundred years old at that time, resolutely threw himself into the revolutionary torrent. He believes that education is important, but at a time when the country is in crisis, intellectuals should stand up and contribute their own strength to the future and destiny of the country. Ma Xiangbo used his influence in the educational circles to go around to propagate revolutionary ideas and mobilize more people to join the struggle to overthrow the Qing Dynasty.
After the success of the revolution, Ma Xiangbo was appointed as the chief of education of the Nanjing Provisional Government. This position is undoubtedly a good opportunity for a person who is committed to education to save the country. However, Ma Xiangbo did not immerse himself in the glory and wealth of officialdom. He is well aware that the new republic faces many challenges and that there is a long way to go in the reform of education.
During his tenure as Minister of Education, Ma Xiangbo carried out a series of drastic reforms. He first set out to formulate a new education policy, emphasizing the equal emphasis on "morality, intellect and physique", aiming to cultivate all-round talents in the new era. At the same time, he also promoted the implementation of universal education, and worked hard to give more children of the common people the opportunity to receive education.
However, Ma's reform initiatives were soon met with strong opposition from conservatives. Some believe that his educational philosophy is too radical and contrary to tradition. In the face of doubts and obstacles, Ma Xiangbo did not flinch. He often said: "Reform will always meet with resistance, but as long as we persevere, we will succeed one day." "
In 1912, Yuan Shikai stole the fruits of the revolution and established a dictatorship. Ma Xiangbo was deeply disappointed by this. He believed that if the country fell into autocracy again, then the previous revolutions and reforms would be in vain. As a result, he resolutely resigned from the post of director of education and returned to the front line of education.
After returning to Shanghai, Ma Xiangbo continued to teach at Fudan University. But he did not abandon his concern for the fate of the country because of this. He often explained the importance of democracy and republic to his students in class and encouraged them to care about national affairs. "You are the pillars of the future, and the hope of the country rests on you," he said. "
In 1915, Yuan Shikai instigated the restoration of the imperial system. When this news came, Ma Xiangbo was furious. Despite his advanced age, he still campaigned and united people from all walks of life to organize opposition movements. He went around giving speeches, exposing Yuan Shikai's ambitions and calling on the people to unite and defend the republic.
With the efforts of Ma Xiangbo and others, the voice of opposition to the restoration of the imperial system became louder and louder. In the end, Yuan Shikai's restoration plan ended in failure. The victory in this struggle made Ma Xiangbo even more firm in his belief. He believes that as long as the people of the whole country are united, there will be no difficulties that cannot be overcome.
However, after the fall of Yuan Shikai, China did not usher in peaceful reunification. Warlords everywhere are divided, and the country is torn apart. Faced with this situation, Ma Xiangbo felt a deep sense of powerlessness. He once sighed: "My old dog, after barking for so many years, why can't I wake up this sleeping China?" "
But Ma Xiangbo did not give up because of this. He continued to awaken the people of his country through education and lectures. At Fudan University, he taught a course called "National Studies", which provides an in-depth analysis of the problems and challenges facing China and guides students to think about the way out for the country.
In 1919, the May Fourth Movement broke out. Ma Xiangbo spoke highly of this patriotic movement with young students as the main body. He said: "This is exactly what we have been waiting for, China has finally woken up!" He actively supported the students' patriotic actions and gave several speeches calling on the people of the whole country to unite and resist foreign aggression.
After the May Fourth Movement, Ma Xiangbo became more involved in social activities. He repeatedly attended various patriotic rallies and gave speeches. In his speeches, he often referred to himself as an "old dog", saying that he was an old dog who was crying out for the country. This kind of self-humility attitude has won the respect and support of more people.
Despite his advanced age, Ma Xiangbo still maintains his concern and anxiety about the fate of the country. He often said to the people around him: "I'm afraid I can't see the day when China will be truly strong." However, I believe that as long as we continue to work hard, one day, China will stand tall among the nations of the world. "
Ma Xiangbo's life, as he himself said, is an old dog that keeps screaming. With his actions, he explained what true patriotism is and what is the social responsibility of intellectuals. His spirit will forever inspire future generations to continue to strive for China's prosperity and strength.
The Integration of East and West: The Ideological Characteristics and Influence of Ma Xiangbo
One of the most striking features of Ma Xiangbo's thinking is his attitude towards the integration of Chinese and Western cultures. As an intellectual deeply influenced by traditional culture, Ma Xiangbo did not stick to the old school, but actively absorbed advanced Western ideas. This open and inclusive attitude has made him an important bridge in the field of modern Chinese ideology and culture.
In 1862, at the age of 22, Ma Xiangbo entered the Xujiahui Catholic Church in Shanghai to study. There, he was not only exposed to Western religious thought, but also systematically studied Western science. This experience had a profound impact on the formation of Ma Xiangbo's thoughts. He gradually realized that in order for China to get rid of the situation of poverty and weakness, it must learn from the advanced science and technology and systems of the West.
However, Ma Xiangbo does not advocate total westernization. He believes that there are also many excellent elements in traditional Chinese culture that are worth preserving and carrying forward. In his view, the ideal path should be a fusion of Chinese and Western cultures. This idea was fully embodied in the school he later founded.
In 1905, Ma Xiangbo founded Fudan Public School (later renamed Fudan University). In terms of curriculum, he attaches great importance to the study of traditional classics and the teaching of Western scientific knowledge. He often said to his students: "Reading the Bible cannot be abolished, and Western studies must not be neglected." This educational philosophy was unique in China at that time.
Ma Xiangbo's idea of integrating East and West is not only reflected in the field of education, but also extends to social reform. After the Xinhai Revolution in 1911, he was appointed chief of education in the Nanjing Provisional Government. In this position, he strongly advocated the promotion of new education, but at the same time emphasized the preservation of the essence of traditional culture. He believes that education in New China should have both the scientific spirit of the West and the ethics and morality of China.
In terms of political system, Ma Xiangbo also advocated the combination of China and the West. He was in favor of introducing a democratic republican system from the West, but at the same time believed that such a system should be integrated with China's actual national conditions. He once said: "It will not work to copy the West, we must create a system that suits us according to the actual situation in China." "
Ma Xiangbo's ideas had a profound impact on the intellectuals of the time. Many young people were inspired by him to think about how to modernize while preserving their national identity. Among them, the most famous is Cai Yuanpei. Cai Yuanpei has said many times that his educational philosophy is deeply influenced by Ma Xiangbo.
In 1917, after Cai Yuanpei became the president of Peking University, he vigorously promoted the policy of academic freedom and inclusiveness, which was the same as Ma Xiangbo's educational thinking. As a result, Peking University became the center of the New Culture Movement and made great contributions to the transformation of China's ideology and culture.
Ma Xiangbo's idea of integrating East and West has also influenced many politicians. Sun Yat-sen has praised Ma Xiangbo many times for his foresight. Sun Yat-sen also adopted many of Ma Xiangbo's suggestions when formulating his strategy for the founding of the country, especially on how to localize the Western system.
However, Ma Xiangbo's ideas have not been without questioning and criticism. Some conservatives think he is too flattering, while some radicals think his reforms are not thorough enough. In the face of these different voices, Ma Xiangbo has always maintained a rational and tolerant attitude. He said: "The confrontation of different opinions is precisely the way forward in thinking. "
Ma Xiangbo's idea of integrating East and West has had a profound impact on later generations. In the first half of the 20th century, "Chinese style and Western use" became the consensus of many intellectuals, which is in line with Ma Xiangbo's thought. Even today, his ideas are still of great relevance.
In the field of literature, Ma Xiangbo also advocated the combination of Chinese and Western. He encouraged students not to ignore the value of classical Chinese literature while studying Western literature. He believes that only by deeply understanding the two cultures can we create works that have both national characteristics and world standards. Under his influence, many writers such as Yu Dafu and Guo Moruo tried to integrate Chinese and Western styles in their creations, making important contributions to the development of modern Chinese literature.
In the field of science, Ma Xiangbo emphasized the need to use scientific methods to study traditional Chinese culture. He believes that much of the wisdom of ancient China can be explained and developed by modern science. This idea inspired many later scientists, such as Joseph Needham, to study the history of science and technology in China.
Ma Xiangbo's ideological characteristics and influence are not limited to the academic world. His patriotism and sense of social responsibility have also infected many ordinary people. He often went deep into the people, explained the problems and challenges facing the country to the people in easy-to-understand language, and aroused the people's patriotic enthusiasm.
In general, Ma Xiangbo's idea of the integration of Chinese and Western countries pointed out the direction for the ideological and cultural reform of modern China. He advocated that while absorbing the advanced culture of the West, it is also necessary to maintain national characteristics, and this balanced attitude is particularly important for a country that is undergoing great changes. His ideas have influenced generations of Chinese intellectuals and have become an important ideological resource for promoting China's modernization process.
Centennial Echoes: The Contemporary Value of Ma Xiangbo's Spirit
It has been nearly 100 years since Ma Xiangbo's death, but his spirit and ideas still have far-reaching influence and important practical significance in contemporary China. His patriotism, educational philosophy, sense of social responsibility and the idea of integrating China and the West still shine with wisdom in China in the new era.
Ma Xiangbo's patriotic spirit has been reinterpreted in the development of today's China. He once said: "My dog barked for a hundred years, just to wake China up." This indomitable spirit of always fighting for the country can be found in all fields of contemporary China. For example, in terms of scientific and technological innovation, many Chinese scientists have adhered to Ma Xiangbo's patriotic spirit, constantly broken through technological bottlenecks, and made great contributions to national development. In 2020, China successfully launched the Tianwen-1 Mars probe, which is not only a major breakthrough in China's aerospace industry, but also a vivid embodiment of Ma Xiangbo's patriotic spirit in the new era.
In the field of education, Ma Xiangbo's philosophy is still of great guiding significance. The all-round development education concept of "morality, intellect and physique" advocated by him has now become the basic policy of Chinese education. In 2021, China promulgated the Guiding Outline for Labor Education in Primary and Secondary Schools in the New Era, which includes labor education in the compulsory curriculum of schools, which coincides with the concept of all-round development education advocated by Ma Xiangbo. In addition, the popularization of education emphasized by Ma Xiangbo has also been fully realized in contemporary China. As of 2020, the consolidation rate of China's nine-year compulsory education has reached 95.2%, which is undoubtedly the best interpretation of Ma Xiangbo's educational ideals.
Ma Xiangbo's sense of social responsibility has also been widely inherited in contemporary China. He believes that intellectuals should care about national affairs and contribute their own strength to social development. This spirit has been fully embodied in China's public welfare undertakings today. For example, after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, volunteers and intellectuals from all over the country rushed to the disaster area to participate in rescue and reconstruction efforts. This spirit of selfless dedication is the continuation of the sense of social responsibility advocated by Ma Xiangbo.
Ma Xiangbo's idea of integrating China and the West plays an important role in contemporary China's foreign exchanges. He advocated maintaining national characteristics while absorbing advanced Western culture. This thinking is fully embodied in China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative. In promoting this initiative, China not only attaches importance to economic cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road, but also respects the cultural traditions of various countries, and has achieved an organic combination of economic development and cultural exchanges.
In terms of scientific and technological innovation, Ma Xiangbo's idea of integrating Chinese and Western countries has also been newly developed. For example, in the process of modernizing traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese scientists have not only retained the traditional essence of traditional Chinese medicine, but also introduced modern science and technology, realizing the organic combination of tradition and modernity. In 2015, Chinese scientist Tu Youyou was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for her discovery of artemisinin, a model of integrated Chinese and Western medicine.
Ma Xiangbo's ideas have also had a profound impact on the cultural field. He advocated the integration of Chinese and Western styles in literary creation, and this concept is fully reflected in contemporary Chinese literature. For example, in 2012, Mo Yan won the Nobel Prize in Literature for his works that are deeply rooted in traditional Chinese culture and integrate Western modernist literary techniques, achieving a perfect combination of Chinese and Western cultures.
In terms of international exchanges, Ma Xiangbo's idea of integrating China and the West also plays an important role. In participating in global governance, China not only adheres to its own development path, but also actively absorbs advanced international experience. For example, on the issue of climate change, China not only adheres to the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities", but also takes the initiative to assume the responsibilities of a major country, and puts forward the goal of "carbon peak and carbon neutrality", demonstrating the responsibility of a responsible major country.
Ma Xiangbo's educational philosophy has also been developed in the reform of higher education. Fudan University, which he founded, continues to carry forward his spirit of running a university in the new era, and is committed to cultivating talents with international vision and innovative ability. In 2017, Fudan University established the "Belt and Road" and Global Governance Research Institute, which is not only a inheritance of Ma Xiangbo's international education philosophy, but also a new era interpretation of his idea of integrating Chinese and Western cultures.
Ma Xiangbo's patriotism and sense of social responsibility have also been fully reflected in contemporary China's anti-epidemic actions. After the outbreak of the new crown epidemic in 2020, medical workers across the country rushed to the front line of the fight against the epidemic without hesitation, and scientific researchers worked day and night to develop vaccines.
In the promotion of the rural revitalization strategy, Ma Xiangbo's concept of attaching importance to the popularization of education has also been newly developed. In recent years, China has vigorously promoted the informatization of rural education, and through the "Internet + education" model, high-quality educational resources have benefited students in remote areas. This kind of effort not only reflects Ma Xiangbo's concept of education popularization, but also a modern interpretation of his idea of education to save the country.