Abstract

Confucianism has survived centuries of criticism and reform, and it is still the chief governing social force of modern Chinese. Sometimes, Confucianism is referred to as ethical humanism, due to its strong emphasis on societal living. Based on the premises that heaven and earth is one, and each individual is endowed by heaven with potentials, Confucian sages show an affinity toward education and character development. Motivated by the optimistic belief of human perfectibility, Chinese people strive to activate human potentials through a lifelong journey of self-cultivation: to succeed in life, one needs to pay attention to what lies within. At the same time, to sacrifice oneself for both one"s family and society is deeply valued. A mature citizen in the Confucian sense is defined by the kinship networks that support filial piety, hierarchal relationship system, loyalty and caring.