Spiritual Legacy of Dr Sun Yat Sen
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| Three Principles of the People |
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Dr Sun at his work desk.
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Dr Sun Yat Sen was China's greatest patriot and forerunner in the democratic
revolution. However, his contributions are not just restricted to China but the
whole of mankind. Dr Sun's Three Principles of the People was the most important
guiding force to China's modernisation programme. The doctrine was derived from
Dr Sun's overseas exposure and understanding of Eastern and Western culture.
These ideologies set precedents for the builders of China and became a spiritual
legacy to the entire humankind. The Three Principles of the People touch on
Nationalism, Democracy and People's Livelihood.
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Page from a draft of Dr Sun's "Three Principles of the
People."
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Nationalism
The main components of the ideology of Nationalism are national
independence, unity, and loyalty to nation and government. Dr Sun wanted to
unite the 400 million Chinese into a strong body, by eradicating the unequal
practice of a minority group ruling over the majority, to ensure the sustenance
of the nationhood. Hence, this notion of nationalism is the prime moving force
behind making China rich and building up its military power.
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Published version of Dr Sun's " Three Principles of the People."
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Democracy
Looking at China's present political scene, Dr Sun's idea of
democracy was made with much foresight, acumen and strategy. He brought China
out of an autocracy and led her towards democracy. Its basic components consist
of protection of human rights, participation of the people in politics, setting
up a more efficient political system, and realising the procedures towards
nation building.
People's Livelihood
People's livelihood is an important factor in China's advancement towards
modernisation. It promotes the modernisation of the economy and social arena,
which in turn develops the political climate. People's Livelihood
comprises equality in the distribution of property, and the need to check
private capitalism in order to maintain social equality. At the same time, the
ideology works towards the modernisation of industry, agriculture and urban
planning.
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3 Women