改良派关于国民性与自由的争论——以《新民丛报》为考察对象

Dispute of Reformists on Freedom and National Character——Taking Miscellany for New Citizens as Object of Study

虽然许多学者认为自由实现程度的高低与国民性有密切的联系,但是这个问题还有待进一步深化研究。起初,《新民丛报》学人广泛而深入地批判君主专制,提倡立宪,主张解放个人的奴性,自由正好成了他们最有力的批判武器。然而,当他们看到中国人行使自由不能中规中矩时,反而用国民性取消了自由。也就是说,他们本来想证明自由适合于中国,最后却得出自由不适合于中国的结论。当然,并不是所有的《新民丛报》学人都用国民性去否定自由。

Many scholars think that between freedom and national character there are close relationships. But the question remains to be further deepened. In early period,authors of Miscellany for New Citizens widely criticized the absolute monarchy,advocated the constitutional monarchy,and claimed to liberate individual servility. They thought freedom is a kind of most powerful weapon. But when they thought the Chinese people abuse freedom,they dispelled the freedom. That is to say,at first they wanted to prove that freedom is suitable for Chinese people; but finally they concluded freedom is not suitable for Chinese people. However,some authors of Miscellany for New Citizens did not agree with the view.