Dialogue with Confucius -- Confucianism in Global Civilization of the New Century

Author: Zhu Taijing, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: How can we achieve harmonious coexistence between people and society, and between people and nature, thereby building a harmonious society? In fact, we can find insightful quotes from Confucianism that offer guidance, such as "The timing is not as important as the terrain, and the terrain is not as important as harmony among people" and "Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself." Applying ancient wisdom to the present, innovation can emerge from the study of history. Therefore, researching Confucianism holds profound practical significance—it helps turn a harmonious society into a shining reality in our generation! Amidst the clamor for "innovation," it is truly commendable that a group of insightful individuals at the Shanghai Confucius Temple Management Office have taken the time to study Confucianism. Innovation is the need of the times and the prerequisite for development. "If you do not innovate, you might as well die." However, any innovation stands on the shoulders of predecessors. If the predecessors are at 100, then innovation is "100 + 1." Those who have not studied the achievements of predecessors cannot possibly innovate. To claim innovation without understanding the accomplishments of predecessors is either arrogance or speaking blindly. Today, people's interest in history is fading, which is a regrettable trend. Yet, innovation can also arise from the study of history. Have you not seen that the essays included in the book Dialogue with Confucius contain many brilliant new ideas and insights? Whether innovation can occur depends not on the research subject but on the researcher's dedication and the extent of their intellectual liberation. Confucianism was created by Confucians. Over two thousand years after its inception, it still shines brightly. Today, the entire nation is making arduous efforts to build a socialist harmonious society. No matter how one describes it, the essence of a harmonious society is the mutual integration of people and society, and the harmonious coexistence of people and nature. Frankly, Confucianism offers valuable insights on these critical issues, providing powerful quotes that set the tone. Confucius said, "The application of propriety is prized for its harmony, and the way of the ancient kings was beautiful in this regard." Was he not advocating "harmony"? Mencius remarked, "The timing is not as important as the terrain, and the terrain is not as important as harmony among people." Look! Mencius placed "harmony among people" on such a high pedestal! Now, we are guiding our efforts with the Scientific Outlook on Development. Building a socialist harmonious society must also be guided by this outlook. The core of a harmonious society is people-centeredness, which is entirely correct. However, we must also recognize that some people today are distorting "people-centeredness" into "self-centeredness," twisting it into extreme selfishness. Frankly, this approach is less enlightened than that of our ancestors two thousand years ago. The Analects state, "If you wish to stand, help others stand; if you wish to reach, help others reach." It also says, "Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself." May I ask: Do you know that there are still impoverished groups who cannot even afford a cold medicine ("cannot even sneeze") today? How is it that when you "wish to stand," you forget to "help others stand"? How is it that when you "wish to reach," you forget to "help others reach"? A major feature of crime in China today is family-related offenses. For some high-ranking officials, even before they are arrested or placed under "dual regulation," their wives and children are already imprisoned. Why? Because they adhere to the feudal doctrine of "if the father gets rich, the son will be wealthy," rather than the spirit of Fan Zhongyan's "worrying about the world before worrying about oneself, and rejoicing in the world after rejoicing in oneself." Inheriting the past is to advance the present. The study of Confucianism holds profound practical significance. Therefore, the publication of Dialogue with Confucius will undoubtedly contribute to applying ancient wisdom to the present and help turn a harmonious society into a shining reality in our generation.