严复对“自繇”思想的解读

Interpretation of Yan Fu on"freedom

西方自由思想自传入中国,其命运多舛是众所周知的。从历史的纵轴线来看,有人以为,严复对“自繇”思想的独特理解,便预设了其命运。我们认为,这种代际相承的影响,并非“自繇”思想命运的致命因素。实质上,每一代思想家对“自繇”思想解读的中西文化传统参照系与现实处境,才是导致他们传播“自繇”思想成功与否的根本性要素。严复对“自繇”思想的解读,自然不能游离中西文化传统与现实处境的限制。明乎此,我们才会理解“自繇”思想为何在中国社会难以安身立命,而不轻易地对中国自由主义的布道者们进行情绪化批判。

It is well known that the disseminati on of western freedom thought in chin a is zigzag.From the historical view,some people thi nk,Yan Fu' s specific interpretation of'freedom'determines its fate.The authors argue that the impact is n ot the fatal factor.Actually,it is t he Chinese and Western cultural tradition and the real conditions th at are crucial to the success of its di ssemination.Yan Fu' s interpretation cannot to go beyond the limits of trad itions and reality.Knowing this,ca n we understand why'freedom'thought is so difficult to take roots in China and not criticize the freedom preachers emotionally.