China's recent "cultural fever" -- what aspects of the classic Chinese culture does it seek to revive? Wu Yilong, one of China's most famous political dissidents, tackles various problems he has found in the ways "Chinese culture" has been perceived throughout the Chinese history. In Studies on Issues of Chinese Culture, he first argues "culture" as a concept should always focus on people, that it should focus on freedom and egalitarianism while promoting tolerance, creativity and sustainability. He then analyzes the similarities and differences between Chinese culture and its Western counterparts, and explores issues such as the disruption, colonization, protection and revival of culture. Finally, he investigates a series of issues of Chinese culture from economic, political, intellectual, behavioral, perspectives, individual, academic and social perspectives.

In Wu's view, one has to cultivate and strengthen one's culture for the pursuit of a better life, not just purely in the name of culture itself. As he points out in Studies of Issues of Chinese Culture, not all the things created by the Chinese are good, but neither are them all bad. "While we do not carelessly abandon our riches, we shouldn't pretend our own ulcers as blossoms, either."

About Wu Yilong:

Wu Yilong received his bachelor's degree from Anhui University's Department of Chinese Literature in 1991. He commenced studies for a Master's degree in Zhejiang University in 1996, and had published a series of textbooks on the teaching of Chinese literature and arts. In March 1998, Wu and a group of activists planned to launch the "Chinese Democratic Party". He was subsequently expelled by Zhejiang University in January 1999, just three days after his graduation. Worse, he was arrested in April that year, and was sentenced to 11 years in jail after being convicted of "conspiracy to overthrew the government".

Having served his sentence, Wu was released in September 2010. He continued writing on issues of democratic theories while participating in activities relating to the pursuit of democracy and human rights. Wu was the winner of the 10th Chinese Youth Human Rights Award in 2010. In 2012, he was awarded the renowned Liu Xiaobo Courage to Write Award by the Independent Chinese Pen Center (ICPC).