What is the difference between Hu Shi and Lu Xun

People tend to judge Lu Xun and Hu Shi with opposing viewpoints and positions, but this is too one-sided and general. Lu Xun and Hu Shi were both spiritual leaders of the people during that turbulent era, playing a crucial role in promoting ideological liberation and cultural progress.
The two are not only promoters of history, but also two important milestones in the history of Chinese literature. It is impossible for future generations to distinguish between right and wrong, let alone right. Until today, the two are still important figures in the development history of Chinese literature that cannot be ignored. These two cultural peaks have both origins and contradictions.
Different thoughts, different writing styles
Even though both of them initially participated in the New Culture Movement, their thoughts were still very different, which led to a significant difference in their writing styles.
Mr. Lu Xun stood from the perspective of the people and deeply understood their misfortunes. From ‘studying medicine cannot save China’ to ‘facing a thousand hands with a cold expression, bowing down willingly as a young ox’. It is enough to show that Mr. Lu Xun had a deep understanding of the national conditions of old China at that time. The comprehensive national strength is poor and backward due to the isolationist policy, and the people are living a miserable life without enough food and clothing.
As a literati, he treated his pen as a dagger and javelin, exposing and criticizing the dark side of the entire society from various aspects. And he is not afraid of any power or influence, daring to fight against anyone. More often than not, people are willing to call Mr. Lu Xun a fighter. With this mentality of risking his life to survive, he has won the recognition and trust of the people.
However, Mr. Hu Shi’s views on governing the country were exactly opposite to those of Lu Xun. Hu Shi believed that while governing the country was important, it should be carried out in a more scientific and rigorous manner. However, over time, Hu Shi’s ideas also deviated from the concept of new literature. He advocated that students should spend three-quarters of their time reading and learning ancient Chinese literature.
And during the May Fourth Movement, he strongly opposed the student movement, believing that disputes between the country and the outside world should not affect or hinder students’ interest in learning. It was precisely the proposal of this viewpoint that put Hu Shi in a completely opposite position to the people who were striving for progress and ideological liberation at that time.
But Mr. Hu Shi is not wrong, just as his student Tang Degang said in his book: Mr. Hu Shi was a master of ideological enlightenment in the development process from traditional China to modern China. Unlike Mr. Lu Xun’s vigorous writing style, Mr. Hu Shi’s moderate writing style does not mean that he lacks independent thinking and spirit.
In fact, Mr. Hu Shi has also been striving for freedom, often exerting his power to promote social development during the intervals of political rule. Even though this power is insignificant, it is still firmly remembered by people. The only difference between him and Mr. Lu Xun is that he failed to draw a clear line with the remnants of the old society and did not engage in open and just struggles with the dark forces like Mr. Lu Xun did.