Hu Shi was a prominent Chinese philosopher, essayist, and diplomat born on December 17, 1891. He played a significant role in the New Culture Movement, advocating for the use of vernacular Chinese in literature instead of classical Chinese. His efforts helped modernize Chinese literature and education. In addition to his literary contributions, Hu Shi was a key figure in the May Fourth Movement, which sought to promote science, democracy, and cultural reform in China. He served as China's ambassador to the United States and was influential in shaping modern Chinese thought until his death on February 24, 1962.