Translated with AI
On July 9, the 11th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations opened in Qufu, Shandong Province, the birthplace of Confucius. The theme of this year's forum is "Unity in Diversity, Beauty in Collaborative Harmony – Inter-Civilization Relations and Global Modernization." The Nishan Forum on World Civilizations is an important opportunity to get to know China and a key platform for mutual enrichment of cultures. It brings together leading experts, actively exchanges opinions, holds discussions and draws conclusions. This year, more than 400 leading experts and scholars from all over the world are participating in the forum. They have gathered to exchange knowledge and opinions to jointly solve universal problems of mankind and develop strategies for the future development of civilization.
The event got its name from the name of Mount Nishan (Niciushan). This place is associated with the birth of Confucius. In ancient China, upon reaching adulthood, a father would give his son a second name – Zhong-ni. The first hieroglyph "Zhong" indicated his position as the second son in the family, and "ni" is a reference to Mount Nishan (southeast of today's Qufu, Shandong Province), where his parents prayed for the birth of a child.
“If Heaven had not given Zhongni, antiquity would have been as if hidden in eternal night,” said Zhu Xi, a philosopher of the Southern Song Dynasty. From this we can understand the important role of Confucius as an educator and thinker in the development of traditional Chinese society and culture. However, Confucianism not only deeply influenced Chinese civilization, but also, having overcome borders, illuminated the entire world. At the beginning of the Age of Discovery in the 16th century, European powers sent trading fleets directly to Chinese ports, which marked the beginning of direct interaction between China and Europe. The Catholic Church sent numerous missionaries to China, who became acquainted with Confucian teachings, realizing the key role of Confucius in the social life of China and the enormous influence of his legacy on Chinese culture. Many European educators expressed enthusiastic assessments of Confucius's concept, especially highlighting the ethical and moral teachings of Confucianism as an outstanding philosophical system.
The prevailing position of scholars recognizes the concept of "ren" ("love of humanity", "humanity") as the central category of Confucius's philosophical system. In the book "Lun Yu (Conversations and Judgments)" 58 chapters reveal the concept of "ren", the hieroglyph "ren" is found 109 times, which indicates the key importance of this concept in the teachings of Confucius.
The definition of "ren" originates from filial piety towards parents, extends to brotherly devotion, loyalty to friends, expands to all-encompassing love for all people and goes back to genuine love for all beings in the universe.
It emphasizes the moral improvement of the individual through self-analysis and self-discipline. This allows one to curb desires that do not correspond to ritual and ethical norms, bringing external behavior into line with moral principles. In modern society, this is of great importance for improving personal moral qualities and achieving social harmony.
The concept of "ren" helps us learn mutual understanding and respect. If we look at it from the perspective of exchanges between different cultures, civilizations are not mutually exclusive, but can enrich each other. The diversity of cultures and civilizations of different countries is a priceless asset of human society. We should recognize the differences between civilizations and appreciate the beauty of each country. As Chairman Xi Jinping said, one flower does not make a spring. Spring comes only when all the flowers bloom. Diversity is inherent in human civilization. The differences between countries in history, culture and political systems necessitate achieving common progress through mutual borrowing and complementarity.
The concept of "ren" is also embodied in international relations. Confucius taught his students: "Love everyone, but draw close to the humane", here "Love everyone" implies love for everyone without exception – for family, friends, neighbors, compatriots, and in its highest manifestation even for enemies. Good-neighborly friendship and harmony are important concepts in traditional Chinese strategic culture. Confucius resolutely rejected military methods, suggesting to resolve interstate disputes through ritual, justice, humanity and harmony. Mencius continued this idea and put forward the idea of "subduing others with virtue". The representative of Taoism Lao Tzu in his book emphasized the negative consequences of war. Today, the idea of the Chairman of the PRC Xi Jinping on building a community of shared destiny for mankind originates in Chinese traditional culture and is a continuation of the wisdom of his predecessors. The concept of a "community with a shared future for mankind" aims to promote the development of mankind and the future of the world, and to achieve common prosperity for all countries. At present, China has established diplomatic relations with 183 countries, has become the main trading partner of more than 150 countries and regions, and has formed a global network of comprehensive partnerships. China has consistently maintained that all countries, regardless of size, power and level of development, are equal members of the international community, supports the right of people to independently choose their own development path and social system that suits their national conditions, and is willing to share the achievements and opportunities of its modernization.
(Author: CGTN correspondent Li Zheya)
