BEIJING, Sept. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Confucius, recognized as one of the most influential philosophers in history, has had a profound impact over the past two millennia, with his teachings continuing to inspire people worldwide.
A statue of Confucius at the Nishan Cultural Tourism Resort in Qufu City, Shandong Province, symbolizes his enduring legacy. Emerging 2,500 years ago, Confucian concepts of exchange, dialogue, tolerance, and mutual learning have been pivotal in the continuity of Chinese civilization, inspiring cooperation among diverse cultures.

Historically, Confucius’s works were translated into various European languages during the 16th century, significantly influencing European thinkers both then and in later centuries.

The recently concluded 2022 China International Confucius Cultural Festival and the 8th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations took place in Qufu City, where nearly 200 scholars and numerous visitors gathered to commemorate Confucius’s 2,573rd birthday, celebrate his wisdom, and explore universal human values within different civilizations.

The Modern Significance of Confucianism
German philosopher David Bartosch highlighted Confucianism’s uniqueness among global philosophies, noting its immense influence beyond China, particularly in Japan and Korea. He praised Confucius for planting “intellectual seeds” that require individuals to interpret and apply in their own lives, contrasting this with other philosophers who proposed rigid theories.

Despite its historical fluctuations, Bartosch noted that Confucianism continually reemerges, serving as a foundation for integrating diverse elements into Chinese culture. He metaphorically described Confucianism as “a growing tree,” with deep roots in ancient history yet still evolving.

Confucian principles have facilitated economic growth in regions adopting them, with ideas related to future generations and education promoting modernization, according to Daniel Bell, dean of the School of Political Science and Public Administration at Shandong University.

A notable Confucian quote, “A gentleman seeks harmony, not uniformity,” illustrates the philosophy’s emphasis on respecting individual differences rather than promoting conformity, as explained by Benjamin Cole from the Department of Philosophy and Social Development at Huaqiao University. This perspective resonates with contemporary ideals of openness, tolerance, and acceptance of diverse cultures and backgrounds within society.