The 2024 China International Confucius Cultural Festival kicked off on September 27 in Qufu City, Shandong Province, marking 2,575 years since the birth of the renowned Chinese philosopher, Confucius. This year’s festival attracted young minds from around the globe, including Arina, a student of Armenian and Russian nationality.
Arina shared her insights on Confucianism with CGTN, highlighting how Confucius’s teachings on self-cultivation, family harmony, good governance, and peace resonate deeply with her personal values. She believes that personal development is the cornerstone of broader social harmony, emphasizing that individual success should contribute to the well-being of the community.
Drawing parallels between Confucian philosophy and Armenian cultural sayings, Arina mentioned, \"There is a saying in Armenia that 'every person is the blacksmith of their own house,'\" illustrating the belief that each individual plays a crucial role in shaping their home and, by extension, their community. This sentiment aligns with Confucius’s idea that a well-regulated family leads to a well-regulated state.
Arina’s perspective exemplifies how Confucian ideals are being reinterpreted by the younger generation, fostering a blend of cultural traditions that promote both personal growth and societal harmony. Her reflections underscore the universal applicability of Confucian principles in today’s globally connected and culturally diverse world.
Reference(s):
How Gen Z sees the world: Confucius in the eyes of young Armenians
cgtn.com
