The 2024 China International Confucius Cultural Festival commenced on September 27 in Qufu City, east China’s Shandong Province, marking the 2,575th anniversary of the birth of the esteemed Chinese philosopher, Confucius. The festival attracted visitors from around the world, including Arina, a young student of Armenian and Russian heritage.
Arina shared her reflections on Confucianism, revealing how the ancient teachings resonate deeply with her own cultural values. Confucius emphasized self-cultivation, family harmony, good governance, and the assurance of peace. These principles align closely with Arina’s belief that personal development is the cornerstone of societal harmony.
“It’s not just about achieving personal success,” Arina explained, “but about understanding how we fit into the larger world and contribute positively to it.” She drew parallels between Confucian philosophy and an Armenian proverb: “Every person is the blacksmith of their own house.” This saying underscores the idea that individuals play a crucial role in shaping their homes and, by extension, their communities.
Arina noted the similarity between this Armenian wisdom and Confucius’s belief that a well-regulated family leads to a well-regulated state. “When we focus on improving ourselves and our immediate surroundings, we lay the groundwork for a harmonious society,” she said.
The festival in Qufu serves as a cultural bridge, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to explore Confucius’s enduring legacy. For many young attendees like Arina, it offers an opportunity to connect ancient philosophies with contemporary life, fostering a deeper understanding of how timeless teachings can inform modern perspectives.
As globalization continues to shrink distances between cultures, the insights of Gen Z individuals like Arina highlight the universal relevance of Confucius’s teachings. Their engagement with such wisdom points toward a future where cross-cultural appreciation enriches global discourse.
Reference(s):
How Gen Z sees the world: Confucius in the eyes of young Armenians
cgtn.com
