The Lamp That Shone for a Century is a sweeping novel steeped in the weight of history, interweaving the development of education with the fate of the nation to depict an educational epic spanning a hundred years.
The story begins in the early Republic of China. Though the feudal monarchy has ended, society remains turbulent. Shen Ruohan, born into a family of educators, has been immersed in traditional education under his grandfather's careful guidance and is deeply passionate about it. But as new ideas arrive, conversations with Professor Lin, who has returned from studying abroad, awaken his interest in advanced Western educational theories. Defying his family's opposition, he devotes himself to educational reform and embarks on the difficult path of founding a school, persevering in the face of resistance from traditional forces and a shortage of funds.
When the War of Resistance breaks out, the school is mercilessly destroyed by the flames of war. Shen Ruohan leads teachers and students into exile, keeping the flame of education alive through a "mobile school" and firmly resisting the Japanese army's campaign of enslavement through education. His actions reveal the patriotism and integrity of an intellectual. During the War of Liberation, he holds fast to the purity of education amid a complex political climate, deftly navigating events while secretly aiding the revolution. After the founding of New China, he actively answers the nation's call and joins the educational reforms. During the era of reform and opening up, Shen Ruohan and his grandson Shen Xiaofeng work together to advance the modernization of education.
Following the course of Shen Ruohan's life, the novel vividly depicts the rise and fall of education in different historical periods and portrays a host of characters devoted to their educational ideals. Alongside the hardships of educational development, it reflects the sweeping changes of China's modern history and underscores the profound significance of education to the nation and its people, inspiring readers to reflect on the value of education.
