Since I had got this book from the reader, I did not turn over the cover page to read, just because the title did not catch my eye, nor catch my attention. Coincidentally I leafed through it, and received numerous notions and conception.

 As a matter of fact, my knowledge about Gu Hongming was limited originally. On the one hand, the impression was derived from Wang Xiaobo's silent majority. On the other hand, it was originated from my history teacher. From Wang's words, I got the idea that Gu was quite feudal. He stuck to the feudal code of ethics, which left a bad taste in my mouth. From my teacher's words, I was conscious of that Gu had a large stock of knowledge and had a great command of multi-language. As a consequence, I admired his wisdom, despising his moral standing, yes, just a complexity.

Currently, I can comprehend Gu from his works. Maybe I can have an objective and impartial evaluation.

< The spirit of the Chinese people > is shining in my heart. It is the representative work that Gu promoted Chinese traditional culture to the West. It corrected the distorted views of Westerners. 

I own the opinion that we are supposed to view the book rationally. There is nothing ambiguous that some thoughts from the book are exactly absurd and conservative. Ancient China had prejudice against women, thinking that they should only stay at home, teaching children and only follow their husband's lead. This is nonsense. And such opinions are not a few. We should discard the dross and select the essence. 

 Nevertheless, I have to put my thumbs up for the traditional Chinese spirit and language. They are different from other civilizations. We have a stronger sense of honor and responsibility than any other nationalities.

Youngsters are expected to the subject-conduct oneself. So what people are we supposed to be? I admire the gentlemen who are described in the book. They are modest just like jades: grinding edges and corners, constraining their brilliance, not changing their voice and expression on account of the emotions. In another aspect, they are firm and persistent. They possess true temperament.

Lao Tzu said to the Chinese, "Leave everything with me, following me to the mountains, to the hermit's cabin in the mountains, and living a real life there - a spiritual life, an immortal life." On a personal note, it corresponds to Chinese reading and learning. We do not give priority to fame, not be biased by standpoint. We read for the country, and we set up a life for the people. We continue to learn for the saints of the past, and for peace of all ages.

To sum up, this book attempts to analyze the concept, definition and features of the Chinese and their traditions, and study the political, economic, legal and social causes. It attracts both natives and foreigners to have a deep impression. What our young people ought to do is spread brilliant spirit forever.