Political theorist Daniel A. Bell reflects on China’s melding of Confucius and Marx
Daniel A. Bell, a political theorist specializing in Confucianism, observes a significant revival of Confucian traditions in China since the 1990s, extending beyond political motivations to encompass economic factors. This shift marks a departure from the 20th century when Confucianism was largely blamed for China's perceived backwardness and targeted during the Cultural Revolution.
The resurgence is attributed to the realization that certain Confucian values, such as a worldly outlook, commitment to self-improvement, and emphasis on education, have proven beneficial for modernization, mirroring the experiences of other Confucian-heritage countries like South Korea and Japan. This revival reflects a reevaluation of traditional values and their potential contribution to China's development.
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Daniel A. Bell, a political theorist specializing in Confucianism, observes a significant revival of Confucian traditions in China since the 1990s, extending beyond political motivations to encompass economic factors. This shift marks a departure from the 20th century when Confucianism was largely blamed for China's perceived backwardness and targeted during the Cultural Revolution.
The resurgence is attributed to the realization that certain Confucian values, such as a worldly outlook, commitment to self-improvement, and emphasis on education, have proven beneficial for modernization, mirroring the experiences of other Confucian-heritage countries like South Korea and Japan. This revival reflects a reevaluation of traditional values and their potential contribution to China's development.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
