Confucianism makes a comeback in China
by Daniel A. Bell
by Daniel A. Bell
The Japan Times
The Chinese government's very public display of compassion and transparency in response to the devastating earthquake in Sichuan province appears to have strengthened its authority and its bonds with ordinary Chinese people. The government and army worked hand in hand with legions of volunteers and private networks to rescue quake victims. Even diehard cynics were won over by Prime Minister Wen Jiabao's emotional comforting of the survivors.
But heroic rescue efforts will not be able to help the government forever, so it is worth asking what can provide long-term political legitimacy. After all, communism has lost its capacity to inspire the Chinese. So what should replace it?
Most Westerners think the answer is liberal democracy, as did many Chinese liberals in the 20th century. But there is another answer, which takes the form of the old and venerable tradition of Confucianism, which is being revived by government officials, critical intellectuals and ordinary citizens.
The opening ceremony of the Olympic games will highlight this revival: It will feature not quotes from Marx, but sayings from the Analects of Confucius. Such sayings as "The world's peoples are all brothers" and "Isn't one of life's greatest pleasures to have friends visiting from afar?" will be beamed to billions worldwide, expressing the best that Chinese culture has to offer.
But heroic rescue efforts will not be able to help the government forever, so it is worth asking what can provide long-term political legitimacy. After all, communism has lost its capacity to inspire the Chinese. So what should replace it?
Most Westerners think the answer is liberal democracy, as did many Chinese liberals in the 20th century. But there is another answer, which takes the form of the old and venerable tradition of Confucianism, which is being revived by government officials, critical intellectuals and ordinary citizens.
The opening ceremony of the Olympic games will highlight this revival: It will feature not quotes from Marx, but sayings from the Analects of Confucius. Such sayings as "The world's peoples are all brothers" and "Isn't one of life's greatest pleasures to have friends visiting from afar?" will be beamed to billions worldwide, expressing the best that Chinese culture has to offer.
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