Yifu Ma

Ma Yifu (1883-1967), born Fu, courtesy name Yifo, was a Chinese philosopher, poet, and calligrapher. He was one of the leading scholars of the modern New-Confucianism, along with Liang Shuming and Xiong Shili, collectively known as the "Three Sages of New Confucianism."

Ma Yifu attended private school at the age of four to study the classic texts. In 1898, at the age of 15, he ranked first in the provincial-level imperial examination. Among the candidates were distinguished writer Lu Xun (Zhou Shuren) and his brother Zhou Zuoren. To the account of Feng Zikai, Ma Yifu effortlessly quoted and recited classical texts with precision. Hongyi praised Ma as being "naturally endowed with knowledge and wisdom." and that Six Arts "could be a guide to all learning." He believed that contrary to being outdated, the Six Arts retained their relevance and would continue to cultivate well-rounded individuals with sound judgment and virtue, enabling them to address real-life challenges at all times.