A Study of Confucius as a Reformer of Institutions

A Study of Confucius as a Reformer of Institutions^[2] or On Confucius as a Reformer^[3] (Chinese: 孔子改制考), also translated as A Study of Kongzi as a Reformer,^[4] A Study of Confucius as Reformist,^[5] is a book written by Kang Youwei that preaches the idea of "changing the institutions based on the teachings of the old times" (托古改制).^[6] The book was started in 1886^[7] and first published in 1897^[8] to suggest substantial changes to the imperial system of Qing dynasty.^[9]

A Study of Confucius as a Reformer of Institutions

Author	Kang Youwei
Language	Traditional Chinese
Publication date	1897[1]
Publication place	Qing dynasty

The book dresses up the otherwise conservative Confucius as someone who is full of enterprising spirit and advocating democratic ideas and a notion of equality.^{[original research?][10]} According to Kang, Confucius was a visionary of institutional change who articulated a concept of progress that had been obscured by Old Text scholars.^[11]

After the publication of A Study of Confucius as a Reformer of Institutions, it yielded a tremendous social influence.^[12] Finally, the book was banned by the Qing government in 1898 and again in 1900 for political reasons.^[13]