Japanese and Chinese cultures have had different reactions to Western modernization. The two documents "The Legacy of Japanese Civilization" written by Albert M. Craig will help us analyze the differences and perspectives of the Chinese reforming their country. The four documents of “The Legacy of Chinese Civilization” also authored by Albert M. Craig will help us see a better perspective from different authors on the changes of Chinese culture through modernization. This will help us understand the difference between Chinese and Japanese cultural response to Western modernization. The document My Individualism written by Natsume Soseki describes how Japanese society wanted individuality because the people of the country wanted to do everything for their own benefit rather than doing so. for the country. He states that "his sole aim is to earn a living, although as a result he may fulfill a social need and indirectly benefit the nation...but would it be horrible if a person had to always keep the nation in mind..." This is an example. of an ordinary person who earns money and does everything to survive, but since Japan encountered Western cultures, Japanese people feel that they also need to improve themselves. When Japan was adapting to Western ideals, much of the older generation was still living in the past and unable to move forward compared to the new generation. When it comes to this, ordinary people work every day for the good of the country rather than doing it because they wanted to. He also said: “…if he had to eat his meal or for the good of the nation, let him wash his face for the good of the nation and go to the toilet for the good of the nation!” » This describes everything they...... middle of paper ......r old systems. Japan was more about changing and advancing the country, while China was comfortable with what they had, until realizing they didn't want to lose to the world. Moreover, it was also felt that China was very intimidated by the West due to its strong and powerful military. A small country like Japan won wars after changing their country, which gave China more reason to realize modernization. Albert M. Craig, The Legacy of Japanese Civilization (New York: Prentice Hall, 2011), 118.2. Craig, Japanese Civilization, 118.3. Craig, Japanese Civilization, 128.4. Craig, Japanese Civilization, 128.5. Albert M. Craig, The Legacy of Chinese Civilization (New York: Prentice Hall, 2011), 134.6. Craig, Chinese Civilization, 139.7. Craig, Chinese Civilization, 144.8. Craig, Chinese civilization, 145.