This chapter introduces and examines the philosophy of Yan Fu 嚴復 (Yen Fu 1854–1921). Yan Fu was one of the most influential and significant thinkers in modern Chinese philosophy, not because of his great originality in philosophical theories themselves, but due to the great enlightenment he brought at the right moment in modern China. It was Yan Fu who first urged political and social change in China for the sake of national survival in social evolution. It was also he who first pointed out that the lack of liberty was the fundamental problem of Chinese society. His essays, translations, and commentaries successfully connected Western thought to Chinese conditions, and therefore gave the Chinese great inspiration and powerful instruments for political reform and thought renewal. The new outlook on the world he brought to China greatly changed the way the Chinese thought about others and themselves. His works enlightened not only his contemporaries but also several later generations. They started a new era of Chinese modern philosophy