From Heretic to Hedonist

At the end of nineteenth century, Chinese intellectuals had to respond dire situation their country. Against this background, leading intellectual Kang Youwei aimed re-establish some traditional values. Although Yang Zhu long been employed rhetorically in pre-modern China, reconstructed as an ancient master who a coherent theory centered around two expressions: wei wo (serving one’s own interest) and zong yu (indulging desires). However, there is tension Kang’s attitudes towards Zhu: on one hand, he criticizes for when reflects upon despotic nature governance; other sees positive sides achievement Great Unity. Despite ambiguity, choice vocabulary still made impact portrayals after his: his portrayal turned into someone highly relevant modern China; also showed possibility reading light.