Confucianism takes center stage at Beijing event

Known for his great contributions to promoting and enriching Confucianism, Mencius (372-289 BC) has been honored by Chinese people over the long sweep of history for his belief in the inherent goodness of human nature and for being an ardent champion of education, benevolent governance, and ethical actions. 

The 4th Oriental Civilization Summit Dialogue held on Wednesday in Beijing, gathered distinguished figures from politics, business, and academia to discuss how the ancient wisdom of Mencius can promote cultural exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations.

The event featured keynote speakers including Borut Pahor, former president of Slovenia, Meng Liang, founder and chair of the Mencius Foundation, and Kong Zhong, vice-chair of the World Federation of Confucius' Descendants.

In the opening remarks, Meng explained that the theme for the event reflects Mencius' emphasis on the innate goodness of human nature, benevolence, harmony, and inclusiveness, as well as his advocacy for peaceful dialogue and a sense of responsibility. These ideas can help break down barriers between civilizations, inspire common pursuits of global peace and development, and provide important guidance for intercultural exchange. 

Meng also argued that Confucianism still holds relevance in the era of rapid technological advancement. He said that the goal of technology development should be people-oriented, improving people's well-being and encouraging social harmony. "Technology workers and companies should take on moral responsibility to ensure that the development and application of technology align with human ethical standards," he added. 

Pahor, who served as president of Slovenia from 2012 to 2022 and its prime minister from 2008 to 2012, said in his speech that he was introduced to Confucian philosophy during his studies at university, which later entered his intellectual and political thinking. 

"I simply wanted to believe that a person is fundamentally good and Mencius justified convincingly enough for me," he said. "This very much shaped my personal and political beliefs. I decided to believe it because I thought it was good and right. I followed this principle for the entirety of my 32-year political career and this thought guided me in all political positions I held in Slovenia and Europe."

Pahor, who launched Victory is the Beginning, a book subtitled "A Manual for Political and Other Beginners" in 2023, believed in the power of dialogue. "I think it is far from being exhausted. It is precisely the resolution of the fundamental unresolved issues between the West and China that is decisive for the peaceful future of the world as a whole," he said.

Kong remarked in his speech that due to rapid scientific and technological advancements, it has become much easier for people to explore the external world and access information, but at the same time, they seem to be growing increasingly distant from their inner world. 

He argued that only by returning to one's true self can humanity progress to higher realms, and this is where Confucianism, which emphasizes the cultivation of one's inner virtues and the pursuit of moral excellence, can play a role.

The Mencius Foundation and Qufu School of Confucian Classics co-hosted the event.