12th March 2020
“Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace”. Confucius
On the 3rd of December 2019, the Director of PHBS UK Campus, Professor Guy Liu, had an unexpected visit. Kun Guo, alumni from Peking University, while in the UK, decided to surprise the Director of PHBS UK by coming to Oxford and show her appreciation to the University by bringing gifs with a very special meaning.
Also known as “The Uncrowned king”, or the "great sage and teacher", who’s influence could be compared to that of Socrates in the West, he was a political figure, an educator, a philosopher and the founder of the Ru School of Chinese thoughts. His teachings about general behaviour, social values, wisdom and how to interact with others in society, namely the family and the community, are quite alive today.
So, about 2,500 years after his death, his ethical and philosophical teachings continue to have a profound influence on modern society and we still return to Confucius ideas in search for virtue, enlightenment and spiritual guidance.
Because Confucianism is not only alive but attracting more and more attention “The Essential Maxims of Confucian Thought” was a meaningful gesture. Particularly in a moment of great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, we should also rejuvenate the Chinese traditional culture.
The book was “handpicked from traditional Confucianism classics such as “The Four Books” and will continue to spread the thoughts of the Chinese social philosopher.
“Seeing moral deeds, one should reverentially self-identify with it. Seeing immoral deeds, one should be watchful over and reflect on himself”
Written by Anabela Santos
