How can Confucianism help solve global challenges?

Countries around the world today should prioritize mutual learning and foster the coexistence of civilizations, scholars said during the 9th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations.

The forum, held in Qufu City, the hometown of the revered ancient Chinese sage Confucius, at the foot of Nishan Mountain in east China's Shandong Province, brought together scholars and visitors from home and abroad to embrace Confucius's wisdom and explore the common values of humanity across various civilizations.

Today's world still grapples with the persisting tendencies of countries and groups adopting a "law of the jungle" mentality and a Cold War mindset, causing divisions among different cultures, noted Wang Xuedian, executive dean of the Advanced Institute of Confucian Studies at Shandong University.

Wang points out that a contributing factor to risks in human society stems from the lack of understanding and trust among different civilizations, which results in the estrangement of civilizations and ultimately leads to ideological conflicts.

Therefore, the critical task for improving global security governance and maintaining world peace lies in fostering harmonious relations among diverse civilizations – a concept deeply rooted in the teachings of Confucius, he said.

Benevolence of Confucianism

Born in 551 BC in the state of Lu (modern-day Shandong Province), Confucius embarked on a lifelong journey to impart wisdom and nurture ethical virtues, influencing the course of Chinese civilization and leaving an enduring impact on generations of thinkers and leaders.

Confucianism centers on the cultivation of virtues, the promotion of social harmony and the establishment of an ideal society guided by moral principles. He emphasized that the path to a just and harmonious society involves nurturing benevolence, compassion and ethical conduct.

One of Confucius's most enduring works is "The Analects," a collection of his teachings and ideas recorded by his disciples and later generations of scholars.

In "The Analects," Confucius expounded on the fundamental concept of "ren," often translated as "benevolence."

When Yan Hui, one of Confucius's disciples, inquired about the principles of ren, Confucius responded, "Benevolence is the act of self-restraint and the practice of propriety."

Confucius firmly believed that the path to a just and harmonious society requires the cultivation of benevolence, compassion and empathy. He argued that individuals should strive to become "junzi," or noble persons, who exhibit moral integrity and ethical conduct in all aspects of life. Also, a harmonious society begins with individuals striving to be virtuous and compassionate.

"Benevolence is at the core of Confucian philosophy, characterized by inner luminosity, magnanimity and a genuine concern for others," explained Ba Jinwen, the Party secretary and associate researcher at the Advanced Institute for Confucian Studies at Shandong University.

"In Confucian thought, society is likened to a vast family, where everyone is encouraged to cultivate emotional connections and offer financial support to one another," he added.

Benevolence demands fairness and justice. Confucius believed in the fundamental equality of all individuals and stressed the importance of mutual care and support, and those with strength and power have a responsibility to assist the less fortunate, Ba told CGTN.

"In this context, rulers are expected to ensure the well-being of the common people, address their livelihood concerns, and provide the necessary guarantees for their basic well-being and happiness," Ba said.

Harmony in diversity

Confucius lived during the tumultuous Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) in Chinese history, marked by political fragmentation and social upheaval. It was in this challenging context that he emerged as a moral compass and advocate for ethical governance. According to Confucius, the government has the moral responsibility of educating and nurturing the people.

"As far back as the Spring and Autumn Period, China established the political ideals of achieving 'universal harmony' and introduced the governance principles of governing through virtue and tolerance, emphasizing the values of seeking common ground while respecting differences and returning to shared objectives," he said.

Ba noted that the pursuit of harmony in diversity – a fundamental aspect of Confucianism – offers valuable insights and serves as a reference for international cooperation and exchange between civilizations.

Nations should focus on their own internal development while actively supporting less developed countries and regions in establishing a peaceful development path tailored to their specific circumstances, and such an approach holds the potential to reduce international disputes, he said.