The Edification Of Chinese Culture For Human Beings

The Cultivation of Human Beings is of vitalrevolution and capitalism,Western powers have
importance to any great undertaking.In the facedomainated the world in the realms of economics
of the surging new industrial recolution and intenseand culture.However,this began to change after
worldwide competition,how to educate and mouldthe economic upsurge of East Asia.Aprominent
people may decide the destiny of a nation.TheAmerican politician commented that the 21st
fittest survive,and the weak perish---this appliescentury would be an era of the Confucian
to nations as well as to nature.Humanoriented Asian Pacific economic sphere.Athough
beings,however,are the decisive factor.some people still hold that Confucian culture
Some scholars of world renown point out that inimpeded East Asia's economic development and
modern Western societies,material production hassocial progress,this prejudice has been disproved
greatly expanded thanks to high technology,butby facts and should be discarded.
ethical stangards and social morals have rapidlyThe quintessence of traditional Chinese culture can
declined.They note that mounting social problemsbe epitomized as the harmonious coexistence of
have seriously impeded the progress ofman and nature,and the great harmony of
society.They warn that the human race could bemankind.Chinese philosophy regards mankind as
destroyed by its own scientific achievementsthe centre of all beings who can decide their own
unless moral education and scientific education godestiny and achieve aternal peace.The philosophy
hand in hand.They even suggest that"for the sakestresses that one has to establish one's own
of mankind's survival beyond the 21st century,wevalues and maintain a proper outlook on life and
should seek enlightenment from the Chinesethe world.This idea is also of universal
sage---Confucius."significance.Taken as a whole,there are also some
The phenomenal economic success of Japan andnegative points in the traditional Chinese
the "four lesser Asian dragons" since the 1960sculture.But it would be unfair to ascribe all the
has astonished the world.This region is in thedross of feudal society to traditional Chinese
Oriental or East Asian cultural realm,characterisedculture.
by the Confucian philosophy as itsIn a decade of reform and opening since the early
mainstream,particularly in terms of social1980s,China has undergone monumental
ethics.Scholars may have different assessmentschanges,and its achievements have stunned the
of the influence of Confucianism om theworld.As the economy surges forward in the
development of the East Asian economy,but theycourse of transformation from a planned to a
differ only on the extent and magnitude of suchmarket economy,social norms and moral
influence rather than its existence.standards have made headway.Human relations
During his visit to China in 1984,Japanese Primeare improving.Pressing ahead and earning one's
Minister Nakasone had a discussion with the lateworth by honest competition--these are becoming
Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Husocially accepted values.People now accord
Yaobang in which Mr. Nakasone said that Japangreater importance to
had followed the footsteps of the United Stateseconomics,science,knowledge and culture.On the
and Europe in economic development,but hadother hand,vices have cropped up in the form of
continued to be guided by Confucian philosophy inmoney
social ethics and moral education.Hu laterterfeiting,misrepresentation,larceny and
commented that in the perspective of Japan'srobbery.These have gravely undermined social
experience,Nakasone's remarks were very wellmorality and grown into a public plague.We realize
founded and deserved deep pondering in China.that economic development and the enhancement
In recent years,China has sent many students toof moral standards should go hand in hand.As we
Japan to learn business management.But thepush on our reform,we will preserve and carry
Japanese said that much of their managementforward the best of our own traditional culture
techniques had been learned from China.Forwhile drawing on the cream of foreign culture
example,the famous National Electric Appliance,especially that of developed countries.In this way
Business College used Chinese classics like Thewe are convinced that we will build up a new
Great Learning,The Analects of Confucius,Menciussocialist culture and ethics with Chinese
and The Classics of Filial Piety as textbooks ofcharacteristics.
business ethics.Students were encouraged toIt is with this in mind that we have compiled this
achieve high standrads of virtue,companionshipbook of Chinese Maxims---Golden Sayings of
and excellence.Chinese Thinkers over Five Thousand
European and American scholars commend JapanYears.These are selections from a wealth of
for having admirably combined modernity andChinese philosophical works.Like flowers floating in
tradition in building a mordern economy.Thethe eternal stream of history,they retain their
Japanese have an excellent work ethic and cancolour and fragrance,as well as their true
endure hardships.They maintain strong family tiesbeauty.They will not only be useful to one's
and are polite.Thus they possess all theintellectual development,but will also inspire and
outstanding features of Oriental civilization.help one to become a better person.This book
Singapore stands out among Asian's "four lessermeets the needs of all those who are pressing
dragons".Its citizens receive education in ethicsahead with the times,who intend to cultivate
from adolescence,using textbooks compiled a fewthemselves their whole life long,who are busily
years ago by the authorities along the lines ofbuilding up their career and who wish to perfect
Confucian ideology.This approach has helped tothemselves by drawing on classical texts and by
transform Singarpore into a mordern civilizedlearning from real life.We sincerely hope these
country.A 1991 survey by an Americanfamous maxims and golden sayings from antiquity
consultancy firm regarding risks in businesswill stir readers'minds and spur them forward.This
environment gave the highest marks tobook is also meant for foreign readers,specialists
Singarpore workers in terms of quality,abidanceor scholars,who wish to draw on the ocean of
by rules,work attitude and technical proficiency.wisdom of Chinese classics.We'll feel honoured and
For centuries,since the advent of the industrialsatisfied if we achieve these objectives.