A Review on Wu Kangzhai Studies between 1460 and 2010

Scholars in Ming dynasty tend to appraise Wu Kangzhai for his illuminating personality and academic work.Liu Zongzhou,one of most influential Ruists in late Ming period,acclaimed Wu as perfect Ruist and the true inheritor of spirit of Kongzi and Mengzi. This evaluation by Liu Zongzhou contributed largely to Wu's reputation as a great intellectual in Ming dynasty.Scholars in Qing dynasty,on other hand,are inclined to give more credit to Wu's achievement in education.The compilers of Sikuzongmutiyao(Synopsis of Imperial Collection of Four Branches of Literature) saw Wu as founding father of two important schools of Ruism-the School of Yugan and School of Xinhui;Deeply impressed by Wu's pioneering work in improving quality of education in Ming dynasty,Lei Hong celebrated him as the teacher for hundreds of generations. In eyes of most modern scholars in Chinese Mainland,Wu Kangzhai is to be remembered as an enlightening figure on embryonic stage of development of Xinxue: in Meng Peiyuan's view,Wu is true initiator of movement of Xinxue in Ming dynasty;according to Tang Yuyuan,Wang Yangming was directly influenced by Wu;Bu Jinzhi and Zhang Anqi think highly of Wu's role in transition period in Ming dynasty when Zhu Xi's learning gave way to Xinxue.Scholars from overseas unanimously give Wu a high position in intellectual history of Ming dynasty.Zhong Caijun believes that Wu is real pioneer of Lixue in Ming dynasty.A review of 550 years of Wu Kangzhai Studies reveals his importance in formative years of Xinxue.Thanks to his interpretation and exemplary moral practice,Xinxue emerged as a vital force in Ming dynasty.