Chinese civilization: history, culture, and society

Chinese Civilization

Prompt 1: Pick two passages about education and explain what makes them "Confucian" or "Neo-Confucian."

Zhu Xia's Neo-Confucianism Program which is labeled "Preface to the Family Rituals" both exhibit the qualities that are found in the writings and teachings of Confucius. Confucianism is the philosophical and ethical system of belief based upon the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius which is then applied to daily life, including education and religion. The core belief of Confucianism was humanism which is the belief that human beings can change, adapt, and grow. No one's identity or personality is concrete and anyone can learn from their mistakes and change. People are asked to make decisions using reason, logic, and critical thinking. In the section "Preface to the Family Rituals," the authors explore how one man, Zhu Xi, believed in adapting Confucianism to the modern period by actually redefining the social structure of China. In this man's life, daily interactions with family and those he is close to are more important than the respect and salutation which are supposed to be afforded to members of royalty. Confucianism and Neo-Confucianism is also discussed in the book in the section "Cheng Duanmeng: a Primer of Human Nature and Principle." In this section, it is explained how Cheng Duanmeng who was an associate of Zhu Xi helped to cultivate the concept of educational importance in the new China. Instead of the archaic principles regarding education as something privileged to members of nobility and the upper classes, these men insisted that education be available to everyone so that anyone could become a successful member of Chinese society. This is one of the aspects of Neo-Confucianism that is so important, the adaptation of old ideas and taking them into the modern period and to the psychology of the current population.

Prompt 2: What are Hu Chih's goals for himself? What steps does he take to reach these goals, and how does he evaluate his progress?

Hu Chih exemplifies Confucian principles because he tries to better himself through education. His goals for himself included attending a school of higher education in China and becoming a person who could influence and educate others. Through the teachings of Mr. Ou-yang, he endeavored to learn the right path and to understand life in the way that Confucius desired everyone to understand. He also tries to learn as much about Confucianism as he can and then trying to adapt it to his modern lifestyle. Time after time, he would study with Mr. Ou-yang and try to restart his life on the path to the right way but he failed many, many times. Instead of giving up and giving in to modernity, he would study again and recommit himself to the cause of Neo-Confucianism. In his experience, people can learn about commitment and how it is human nature to fail sometimes. Especially in a goal such as Hu Chih's with so much sociological and psychological change which is required, it is logical that he would fail at least once trying to stay on the right path. However, he allows himself these failings and does not become discouraged that he can eventually achieve his goals. The young man who had never understood who Confucius was until the age of 17 then became a teacher, spreading the ideas of the ancient philosopher and allowing others to achieve the same individual awakening as he did and is indicated throughout the text up to the point where he passes his exam and is able to continue in the adult world. In order to fulfill his goals and his potential as an individual, Hu Chih understood that he had to work diligently and put great amounts of effort into his education and preparation for his further studies.