Selected Works of Hu Shi on Education

This volume brings together a carefully selected collection of essays and speeches by Hu Shi (1891-1962), one of modern China's most influential intellectuals and a leading figure of the New Culture Movement. Spanning his prolific career, these writings illuminate his profound reflections on education across multiple dimensions: compulsory schooling, higher education, family upbringing, women's education, social education, and the art of reading and scholarship. Hu Shi's educational philosophy embodies his lifelong commitment to critical thinking, evidence-based inquiry, and individual empowerment. He championed a pragmatic approach to learning rooted in scientific method and intellectual independence, challenging traditional pedagogical conventions while advocating for educational accessibility and quality. His insights on cultivating reasoned citizens capable of contributing to a modern, democratic society remain remarkably relevant today. This collection serves both as an introduction to Hu Shi's educational thought and as a timeless resource for understanding the foundational ideas that continue to shape China's educational discourse.