Abstract:

Current studies on WU Yu predominantly focus on his demands against Confucianism, Confucius and filial piety, which were supported by the new intellectuals of the May Fourth era, while intentionally or unintentionally overlooking other facets and undermining the wholeness of his thoughts. Under heavy influence of ZHANG Tai-yan and LIAO Ping, WU emphasized history over classics, novels over historiography, literary Chinese over vernacular and independent thinking over popular opinions, and further advocated free thinking and independent scholarship. As a political commentator, WU hoped China would become a modern nation-state, advocated national political participation based on good education and scholarship, and called for direct election of provincial governors and federalism.

Key words: WU Yu, free thinking, independent scholarship, nation-state, federalism