Fukuzawa Yukichi Essay

1445 Words6 Pages
6.) While Fukuzawa advocated drastic revisions in thought and learning, he was also a person of prudence and moderation. Discuss such apparent contradictions in his character. Was the real Fukuzawa a rebel or a conservative? In Japan, Fukuzawa Yukichi is a name that resonates throughout the country, even after 140 years. Through the late Tokugawa period, to the height of the Meiji Restoration, Fukuzawa enumerated crucial ideals that were necessary for a modern nation. Although Fukuzawa was never at, nor ever near the center of political authority, his standards were conveyed through his lively morals and throughout his valiant teaching. It could be held that Fukuzawa was a rebel; some could even assert conservative values. I, however, feel that Fukuzawa was neither a conservative nor a rebel, but instead a conservative rebel. His rebellious perseverance and determination in learning, and instilling western principles on Japan was non-violent in every aspect. Without Fukuzawa Yukichi’s advocated reforms in thought and education, Japan would have never been able to modernize at the rate in which it needed. Growing up in Nakatsu, a small province in northern Kyshu, Fukuzawa Yukichi was taught the invaluable ways of life, especially obedience and thoughtfulness. Because his father died while he was only a mere infant, young Fukuzawa and his family were forced to move from Osaka to Nakatsu, where, because of their financial situation, he was unable to go to school until the age of fourteen. At school, Fukuzawa learned the basis of all learning, Chinese classics. In doing so, Fukuzawa came to the realization that he was a gifted learner, also despised Japanese feudalism. “In school I was the best student and no children made light of me there. But once out of the schoolroom, those children would give themselves airs as superior to me” (18). As a means
Open Document