Status_of_Oriental_Culture

The Status of Confucianism in Globalization E0601 温芬 1801060109 Nowadays the whole world is a globalized world. It is univesially acknowedged that globalization is a double-edged sword. On one hand, the increased international trade promate material prosperity and mutual communication. On the other hand, it brings a larger gap between poor countries and developed countries and standardizes the contents of the cultures of the world into a single culture which comes with a high spiritual and cultural cost. Globalization can be regared as both historial condition in which China's reform and opening-up has unfolded and a set of values or ideologies by which China and the rest of the globe are judged. Confucianism, which is the precious treasure of Chinese traditional culture, is now drawing more and more attention of the world. On september.28th,2005, big ceremonies of celebration were held simultaneously in the birthplace of Confucius, Qufu in Shandong, San Francisco, Seoul, and many other places overseas . Studies on Confucius and Confucianism are becoming more and more popular in China and abroard.Actually it was to some extent viewed as reactionary value system that accounted for the fecklessness of China in the global horse race for material advancement and technological progress in the early 20th century. Why Confucianism is so hot today' In my opinion, it lies in some creed and belief of Confucianism that are correspondent with the trend of the world development under the setting of globalization. Confucianism is an ancient Chinese ethical and philosophical system originally developed from the teachings of the early Chinese philosopher Confucius. It focuses on human morality and good deeds. Confucianism is a complex system of moral, social, political, philosophical thought that has had tremendous influence on the culture and history of East Asia.It constitutes a large part of the cultural heritage of China.We may argue that Confucianism is to East Asia what Christianity is to Western Europe. The most important principles of Confucianism are “Five Constants” and “Five Relations”. “Five Constants” includes benovolence, integrity, courtesy, wisdom and trust. “Five Relations” defines the foundational relations of a Confucian society–parent-child, ruler-subject, husband-wife, elder-younger sibling, friend-friend. Besides, Confucianism presumes the fundimental and organic harmony between human world and nature. China, the origin of Confucianism, has been actively promoting the revival of Confucianism since the 1980s. Studies on Confucianism and East Asian culture have become very popular. In 1984, a Confucian Foundation was established on the occasion of the 2535th birthday of Confucius. In 1985, another institute, the Confucius Research Institute, was established, located in the former imperial temple to Confucius, in close proximity to the Forbidden City. In 1990, a commemorative stamp in honor of Confucius was issued. Meanwhile, some of the doctrines of Confucianism serve the principles of Chinese diplomatic policy. The Confucian tradition has been appropriated by the Chinese leaders as a political and ideological weapon to curb western individualism and other influences of economic liberalization; it also appeals to the nationalistic sensibility of a Greater China, including all the inheritors of Confucian values and ethics --Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and all other overseas Chinese communities. In recent years, Confucianism has been interpreted as the ideological and cultural engine of economic growth, which explains the spectacular economic success of the Asian tigers, with Japan taking the lead, followed by Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and South Korea. The econimic prosperity is regarded as the result of hard work, frugality, education, and the willing sacrifice of individual benefit for collective interest. In brief, the East Asian economic miracle is a direct result of the moral regeneration of Confucianism. The historical irony can hardly be missed here--what has been viewed as the major impediment to economic success is now seen as a dynamic force of modernization worthy of emulation by developing countries. As is known to all, globalization has fostered great inequality not only in economy but also in culture. American and European countries are imposing western values and practices on developing countries. As a set of value system with a history of more than 2000 years, Confucianism is faced with a big challenge and a good opportunity. Peace and development are themes of the times. By looking at and understanding the Confucian tradition and its notion, we may arrive the conclusion that Confucianism can help to build a better world, one which is more prosperious, more peaceful, more harmonious, more humane, more just. The role that Confucianism plays in East Ascia’s development let us see the potenials and possibilities of Confucianism. Acting as a spiritual and ethical force, Confucianism may contribute to a truly global ethic in the new century. The points can be illustrated as follows. First comes to its role as cultural engine of ecnomic growth. The ecnomic miracle in East Ascia is a good example for Confucianism’s contributions. The virtues of loyalty, truthfulness, cooperation, sacrifice individuals’ interest for collective good of which Confucianism sings highly praise help to promote population quality and emhance the productivity. Then comes to its application in handling kinds of relationship, including relationships between social individuals, nations, human beings and nature. In Confucianism, The "Six Relationships" or "Six Relations,", are supposed to be the basis of all social connections between persons, and all six are based on the fundamental relationship between parents and children. Generally, the Confucianism emphisizes on the needs and demands of the community and society. The notion contributes to building a more harmonious, peaceful and green world and a more equal, fair and reasonable international order. In conclusion, Confucianism, as the core of Chinese traditional culture, will regenerate its great powers in the 21st centurary. The internalization of faith, values, morals developed from Confucianism will surely improve improve human’s quality in the whole and lead to further development of society. In a global light, the inheritting, studying, developing and promotion of Confucian culture may benefit the maintainment of world peace and steadiness. Futhermore, by paying heed to the Confucian vision of oneness of nature and humanity and deriving from it congenial means of developing ecological perspectives, we may better our environmental protection and resources’ conservation. As offsprings of Loong, we have the duty and obligation to preserve and develop our traditional culture to a new leval. When we stand before the globalized world of great complexities and stare at the compacted strata of history, we have no choice but to reflect on Confucianism and take in the valuables and take good advantage of them.