This study examines the Confucian perspectives of Liang Qichao (梁啓超) and Liang Shuming (梁漱溟) within the broader intellectual trend of exploring a “new order through a cosmopolitan reflection on modernity” following World War I. It focuses on their efforts to reinterpret Confucianism to align with contemporary demands and apply it to politics and philosophy. Through a comparative analysis, this research aims to elucidate how both figures sought to modernize Confucianism to address the challenges of their time and provide solutions for the future trajectory of global and Chinese civilizations in the aftermath of World War I. Furthermore, it will examine how this intellectual trajectory influenced the search for a “new civilization” that transcends Western-centric modernity or capitalism.
Both Liang Qichao and Liang Shuming shared the goal of re-evaluating and modernizing Confucianism to chart the future paths of China and the world, with a particular emphasis on fostering “holistically developed individuals.” However, their methods of utilizing Confucianism differed. Both envisioned the implementation of Confucian values being led by “Inner Sage Qualities” (內聖的素養). Liang Qichao emphasized how such intellectuals could govern themselves and society, focusing on the application of inner moral cultivation to personal and social governance. In contrast, Liang Shuming adopted a broader approach, emphasizing how intellectuals could engage with the populace to share and promote Confucian values collectively.
In conclusion, both Liang Qichao and Liang Shuming sought to address the pressing issues of their time by modernizing and applying Confucianism in distinct ways. Their endeavors were not merely confined to the context of 1920s China but remain relevant in contemporary discussions on the modernization of Confucianism and alternative civilizational frameworks.