Meaning: This quote by Hu Shih, a prominent Chinese philosopher, reflects the significance of seemingly inconsequential events in sparking movements for change. In the year 1915, a group of Chinese students at Cornell University found themselves propelled into discussions about the reform of the Chinese language as a result of a series of seemingly trivial incidents. This quote captures the idea that even small, seemingly insignificant occurrences can serve as catalysts for larger, impactful changes.

Hu Shih (1891-1962) was a key figure in the New Culture Movement in China during the early 20th century, advocating for modernization and reform in various aspects of Chinese society, including language. The New Culture Movement sought to challenge traditional values and promote new ideas in order to revitalize Chinese culture and society. Hu Shih, as a leading intellectual and advocate for language reform, played a pivotal role in this movement.

The incident at Cornell University in 1915 marked a turning point for the Chinese students involved, leading them to question the structure and functionality of the Chinese language. While the specific "trivial incidents" that Hu Shih refers to are not detailed in the quote, it is clear that they were significant enough to prompt a reevaluation of the Chinese language among the students.

It is important to understand the context of this quote within the broader historical and cultural landscape of China during the early 20th century. At that time, China was undergoing significant political, social, and intellectual upheaval. The country was grappling with the challenges of modernization, the impact of Western imperialism, and the need to adapt to a rapidly changing global environment.

One of the key issues that intellectuals and reformers like Hu Shih sought to address was the role of language in shaping and reflecting Chinese culture and identity. The traditional Chinese writing system, with its complex characters and classical literary style, was seen as a barrier to modernization and widespread literacy. Advocates for language reform argued that simplifying and modernizing the written language would make it more accessible to the general population and facilitate communication and education.

Hu Shih's statement sheds light on the power of individual experiences and personal observations in driving broader social and intellectual movements. The fact that a group of Chinese students at an American university were prompted to engage in discussions about language reform speaks to the interconnectedness of global intellectual currents and the ways in which individuals can be agents of change.

In the years following the incident at Cornell, Hu Shih and other proponents of language reform continued to advocate for the simplification and modernization of the Chinese writing system. Their efforts eventually contributed to the adoption of simplified Chinese characters in mainland China, a significant linguistic reform that aimed to improve literacy and communication.

Overall, Hu Shih's quote serves as a reminder of the transformative power of seemingly trivial incidents and the role of individual experiences in shaping broader social and intellectual movements. It also highlights the importance of language as a reflection of cultural identity and the ways in which language reform can be a catalyst for societal change.