Modern Confucian civilisation

Main thing

Modern Confucian Civilization, a system of social and ethical philosophy, has been a significant influence on the social values, institutions, and transcendent ideals of traditional Chinese society for over 2500 years, since around 500 B.C.E. It's not just a religion, but a way of life that permeates every aspect of society, from family to school to state. This philosophy has been particularly influential in East Asian countries, including China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. For instance, in China, Confucian principles are evident in the respect shown to elders, the value placed on education, and the emphasis on maintaining harmony and balance in all things.

Terms

• Modern Confucian Civilization: This is the contemporary interpretation and application of Confucian philosophy. It's a way of life that emphasizes social harmony, respect for authority and elders, and the importance of education and moral development. For example, in modern China, Confucian principles are often applied in the education system, where students are taught to respect their teachers and value their studies.

• Confucianism: This is a system of ethical and social philosophy that originated with Confucius, a Chinese philosopher who lived from 551 to 479 B.C.E. It emphasizes personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice, and sincerity. For instance, in a Confucian society, a person is expected to behave in a morally upright way, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it contributes to social harmony.

• New Confucianism: This is a movement that began in the 20th century and seeks to integrate Western and Eastern philosophical ideas. It's a reinterpretation of Confucian thought in light of modern circumstances, emphasizing social, ecological, and political harmony. For example, New Confucian scholars might argue for the importance of environmental stewardship as a way of maintaining harmony between humans and nature.

An analogy

Imagine Modern Confucian Civilization as a river. The source of the river is the ancient teachings of Confucius, providing the initial flow of ideas. The river's course, representing the enduring principles of Confucianism such as respect for authority, the importance of education, and the pursuit of moral excellence, winds through the landscape of time, shaping and being shaped by the terrain. The various tributaries joining the river symbolize the different ways these principles are applied in modern society, influencing every area of life, from politics to education to family relationships. Just as a river's path evolves over time, adapting to the landscape, so too has Confucianism evolved and adapted over time, responding to the changing needs and circumstances of society.

A main misconception

A common misconception about Modern Confucian Civilization is that it's a religion in the same way that Christianity or Islam is. While Confucianism does have a spiritual dimension, it's more accurately described as a system of social and ethical philosophy. It doesn't involve worship of a deity or adherence to a specific set of beliefs about the nature of the universe. Instead, it's about how to live a good life, how to treat others, and how to maintain social harmony. For example, someone might mistakenly think that Confucians worship Confucius, when in fact they regard him as a wise teacher and model of moral excellence, not a divine being.

The history

Confucianism was founded by Confucius in the 6th–5th century BCE. Over the centuries, it has evolved and adapted to changing social and political circumstances. During the Han dynasty (206 B.C.E - 220 C.E.), Confucianism became the state ideology, but it faced competition from other ideologies, such as Legalism and Daoism.

A Confucian revival occurred during the Tang dynasty (618–907 C.E.), and Confucianism was reformulated as Neo-Confucianism in response to Buddhism and Daoism. This revival flourished in the Northern and Southern Song periods and continued in the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties that followed. The revived Confucianism of the Song period emphasized self-cultivation as a path not only to self-fulfillment but to the formation of a virtuous and harmonious society and state.

However, Confucianism has faced challenges in adapting to modern life. For instance, contemporary Confucian thinkers have been slow in engaging in feminist/gender issues, even though they usually support sexual equality between men and women. There have also been debates about how to reconcile Confucian principles with the demands of democracy and environmentalism. Despite these challenges, Confucianism has remained an influential philosophy in East Asia, shaping the social values, institutions, and transcendent ideals of traditional Chinese society and extending its influence to other countries, including Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.

As Confucius himself said, "Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous." This quote encapsulates the enduring relevance of Confucianism, which continues to evolve and adapt in response to the changing needs and circumstances of society.

Three cases how to use it right now

1. In Education: In a classroom setting, a teacher who follows Confucian principles might place a strong emphasis on respect for authority and the value of learning. They might encourage students to work hard, to respect their classmates and teachers, and to strive for moral and intellectual excellence. The main benefits of using this knowledge are: it fosters a positive learning environment, promotes moral development, and prepares students to be responsible members of society.

2. In Family: In a family context, parents might use Confucian principles to teach their children about the importance of respect for elders, the value of education, and the need for moral behavior. The main benefits of using this knowledge are: it helps to instill good values in children, promotes harmonious family relationships, and contributes to the moral development of the next generation.

3. In Government: In a political context, a leader who follows Confucian principles might strive to rule with wisdom and benevolence, to promote social harmony, and to uphold justice. The main benefits of using this knowledge are: it can lead to a more just and harmonious society, promote the welfare of the people, and contribute to social stability and order.

Interesting facts

1. Confucianism has been one of the most influential philosophies in East Asia for over 2,500 years.

2. Confucius, the founder of Confucianism, was known to his followers as the "Master Kong."

3. Confucianism is not just a religion, but a way of life that influences every aspect of society, from family to school to state.

4. In the 20th century, a movement known as New Confucianism emerged, which sought to integrate Confucian ideas with Western philosophical concepts.

5. Confucianism places a strong emphasis on education, viewing it as a means of moral and intellectual development.