The article presents a translation and commentary on part of the book The Great Unity, specifically the chapter “Evolution of Humanity”, by the Chinese philosopher, politician and public figure Kang Yu-wei (1858–1927). He was the leader of the reform movement One Hundred Days of Reform in China in the late 19th century. The commentary on the translation includes an analysis of the origins of Chinese evolutionary theory and highlights the influence of Western thought on Kang's ideas. It also characterises some aspects of the “three ages” theory. The novelty and relevance of the proposed perspective on Kang Yu-wei's work lies primarily in its interdisciplinary approach, combining historical, cultural, philosophical and anthropological analyses of the author's texts. Kang Yu-wei himself strove for a complex synthesis of tradition and modernity, East and West, nature and civilisation.
The article presents a translation and commentary on part of the book The Great Unity, specifically the chapter “Evolution of Humanity”, by the Chinese philosopher, politician and public figure Kang Yu-wei (1858–1927). He was the leader of the reform movement One Hundred Days of Reform in China in the late 19th century. The commentary on the translation includes an analysis of the origins of Chinese evolutionary theory and highlights the influence of Western thought on Kang's ideas. It also characterises some aspects of the “three ages” theory. The novelty and relevance of the proposed perspective on Kang Yu-wei's work lies primarily in its interdisciplinary approach, combining historical, cultural, philosophical and anthropological analyses of the author's texts. Kang Yu-wei himself strove for a complex synthesis of tradition and modernity, East and West, nature and civilisation.