China Confucius Foundation Collection -- New Exploration of Confucian Values

Author: Mou Zhongjian
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2001-08-01
Features: This book is a part of the Confucius Foundation of China Collection, titled "New Explorations in Confucian Values." It primarily collects outstanding works on the study of Confucius, Confucianism, and traditional Chinese thought and culture, aiming to summarize and promote the excellent traditional culture of the Chinese nation and promote the development and progress of contemporary humanities and society. The book is comprehensive, well-organized, detailed in argumentation, and profound in analysis, possessing high literary, scientific, and theoretical value, making it suitable for reference by all academic enthusiasts.
After enduring the severe and radical criticism from cultural radicals during the May Fourth Movement and the arbitrary and attacks from the Gang of Four during the Cultural Revolution, Confucianism did not perish but rather withered its vitality while its roots remained intact. After a period of reflection and quietude, it has now blossomed anew, with buds sprouting and life gradually returning. This is no miracle, but rather the result of the profound depth and resilient vitality of Confucianism. The critics of the May Fourth Movement were mostly progressive thinkers, with their main focus directed at the dross of Confucianism—rigid and decadent rituals, with its core being outdated autocracy, patriarchal authority, and clan power. Thus, this critique had historical merits in liberating thought, although it sometimes exhibited indiscriminate and excessive tendencies.
The critics of the Cultural Revolution, such as the Gang of Four, were themselves remnants of feudalism, naturally targeting the democratic essence of Confucianism—the principle of benevolence and harmony. This benevolent principle is an important part of the fine traditions and precious spirit of the Chinese nation. Therefore, the Gang of Four's campaign against Confucius and Confucianism during the Cultural Revolution had no redeeming qualities and only led to regression and chaos in Chinese society.
The critique of the May Fourth Movement allowed the Chinese people to recognize the limitations and negativity of Confucianism, objectively benefiting the promotion of its true spirit. The critique of the Cultural Revolution, on the other hand, enabled the Chinese people to, through reflection on the "," recognize the progressiveness and essence of Confucianism.
Today, most Chinese people, having learned from numerous lessons, have become more mature, with attitudes gradually becoming rational and healthy. They understand the need to transcend tradition as well as anti-tradition, integrating and permeating tradition with modernity. This ensures that the construction of new culture is both rooted in the excellent and profound foundation of traditional national culture and capable of creating a new form of contemporary culture.
Of course, some people still cling to a love for tradition, a "May Fourth complex," or even a "Cultural Revolution complex," but they can no longer dictate the mainstream of society. However, the original form of traditional Confucianism cannot be blindly copied or applied. Even its wise elements require reorganization and enhancement from the perspective of today's era, so that they can face reality and the future, as well as the world and the process of modernization.
In terms of attitude and methodology toward the study of Confucianism and traditional culture, several principles have become quite popular, such as "critical inheritance," "creative transformation," and "comprehensive innovation." I believe their spiritual essence is consistent and they have been widely recognized by people. The main task now is to quickly translate these principles into action, conducting more constructive research and development, to interpret and explain, to screen and transform, to innovate and renew, and to produce more excellent results to win people's approval and provide society with choices.
Under this guidance, in recent years, I have examined a series of important ideas and concepts of Confucianism, studying their original meanings and developments, evaluating their pros and cons, and revealing their profound essence. Based on the challenges facing contemporary society and the need for further healthy development, I have focused on uncovering those ideas I believe are of great value, reinterpreting and explaining them. This involves tracing the origins and flows of thought, refining the spiritual connotations, and sometimes allowing myself to be carried away by personal expression to convey my life experiences and cultural ideals.
Humanity faces increasingly severe social, moral, and ecological crises. Confucianism's life philosophy that values benevolence and virtue, its interpersonal philosophy that advocates harmony and communication, and its cosmic philosophy that emphasizes the unity of heaven and humanity are important ideological resources for healing the pathologies of modern society and promoting the transformation of civilization to a higher stage. If humanity in the 21st century is to walk the path of peace and development, it must draw wisdom from Confucius and Confucianism. The times need Confucianism, which provides unprecedented opportunities and a broad stage for the development of Confucian resources. Confucianism needs innovation, for only an innovative Confucianism can engage with real-life situations and drive social progress.