Each nation must develop its special talents in the interest of the world civilization. How far it is correct in the contest of Japan ?
The next generation questioned this total acceptance of Western ideas and urged that national pride be built on indigenous values. The philosopher Miyake Setsurei (1860-1945) argued that each nation must develop its special talents in the interest of world civilisation: To devote oneself to one's country is to devote oneself to the world.
By contrast, many intellectuals were attracted to Western liberalism and wanted a Japan based not on the military but on democracy. Ueki Emori (1857-1892), a leader of the Popular Rights Movement, was demanding constitutional government, admired the French Revolution's doctrine of the natural rights of man and of popular sovereignty, and spoke for a liberal education that would develop each individual: Freedom is more precious than order.
Others even advocated voting rights for women. This pressure led the government to announce a constitution.
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