"On the basis of biological, sociological, and historical knowledge, we should recognize that the individual self is subject to death or decay, but the sum total of individual achievement, for better or worse, lives on in the immortality of The Larger"

Hu Shih is stating that while specific humans are mortal and will eventually pass away or wear away, their achievements and contributions to culture reside on in a bigger feeling of everlasting life. He believes that through the research of biology, sociology, and background, we can involve recognize the impermanence of the individual self and the importance of concentrating on our effect on the world as well as the heritage we leave.