Confucian path of small steps toward great change

Confucius (551-479 BC), who lived in the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) and whose teachings extend over Chinese civilization, once wisely said, "When building a mountain, if it lacks just one final basketful of earth and I stop, it is I who have stopped; on the other hand, when leveling the ground, even if I have added just one basketful, if I continue, it is I who press on." This reflects the idea that it does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.

Recently I had the privilege to join a media tour and travel to Qufu, Jining in Shandong province — the birthplace of Confucius — which allowed me to reflect deeply on his sayings, a reminder of transformation — whether personal or societal — comes through steady, mindful action, no matter how slow the journey may be.

At the 2024 Confucius ceremonial event on Sept 28, I was inspired by the enduring influence of Confucius' teachings, emphasizing morality and virtuous behavior. I've seen this not only throughout the people I encounter but also in its expansion across the world, carried by education programs, including Confucius Institutes that help bridge cultures.

While visiting the Temple of Confucius, I realized that the strength of his teachings lies in its simplicity, much like his saying about persistence. Each lesson in morality, responsibility and virtue builds upon the last, just as small, patient steps lead to great progress over time. This philosophy of steady perseverance creates a strong foundation for harmonious living.

The focus on relationships by Confucius, whether with family, colleagues or society, has shaped how China interacts with the world. I've come to see that the strength of Shandong, and indeed China as a whole, is built on countless individual acts of responsibility and integrity.

This is much like the essence of Panda Diplomacy, which reflects the country's ongoing commitment to boosting grassroots friendship between China and other nations through giant pandas. This, which I've witnessed many times, represents the gradual yet unwavering progress toward building something lasting.

As a symbol of China's Confucian principle ren, or benevolence, has become a guidepost in my personal and professional life. It calls for kindness, patience, and a long-term commitment to the well-being of others — virtues that guide me in every decision I make. It is a reminder that the path to positive change, whether in relationships or society, is not always immediate but is made with consistency and care.

Confucius' words remind me that the journey to meaningful change begins not with grand gestures, but rather a commitment to small, deliberate acts of kindness and understanding. In the workplace, this means fostering collaboration, leading with integrity, and putting the needs of others at the forefront of decisions. Every interaction becomes a step forward, no matter how slow, in the steady climb toward trust and understanding.

Visiting Qufu has also taught me Confucius' delicate balance between individual and collective responsibility. When faced with challenges, seeking wisdom from others and remaining humble allows us to place the greater good above personal gain. It is in this constant effort of self-improvement, that true progress is made. Each decision, no matter how small, is a small step toward a more harmonious world.

Though Confucius' teachings are ancient, they continue to speak with people across different cultures today, offering clarity in an increasingly uncertain world. As his teachings spread beyond China's borders, reflecting China’s openness to the world, they inspired people to live with moral integrity and patience. And so, no matter how slowly you and I go, as long as we do not stop, we can create a more harmonious world, step by step.