Confucius’ Theory Of Benevolence And Modern Significance

Confucius is the founder of Confucianism, and "benevolence" is the core of Confucianphilosophy. So the study of Confucius is the only way of studying Confucian thought andinheriting the essence of Confucianism. In the Spring and Autumn Period, serious disordersituation occurred in the society. Longing for Zhou, Confucius took reviving the grand Zhou as thebig desire of his whole life. Confucius aided “benevolence” into ceremony, and the old word"benevolence" was developed into a relatively systematic and relatively perfect system aboutbenevolence. Confucius’ theory of benevolence thought, generally speaking, is composed of twoparts: on the one hand is benevolence content, on the other hand is the method of practicingbenevolence. On the basis of research results of the successor philosophers and modern researchers,the author think, Confucius’ content of benevolence can be summarized in five aspects: benevolentlove human; benevolence is the unity of kindness and ceremony; benevolence is the name of allkinds of moral; benevolence is achievement of self and others; benevolence is the highest planeattained. The method of practicing benevolence includes four aspects: carry out the principle ofbenevolence and loyalty; act in accordance with the requirements of justice; achieve benevolencewith the wisdom; to do it is the most important thing. With the changing times, Confucius’ theoryof benevolence occurred correspondingly historical change. Future generations of scholarshesitated from different angles, such as Mencius, Dong Zhongshu, scholar of Song and Mingdynasty and Modern scholars. Today, in a period of social transition in China, inheritingConfucius’ theory of benevolence has the same necessity and possibility. Modern China’seconomic situation, innovation of the Communist Party ruling philosophy, diversity values, andliving conditions and spiritual beliefs of modern people have called for Confucius’ theory ofbenevolence. The inner spirit of Confucius’ theory of benevolence, the comprehensive and keepingpace with the times academic characters, make inheriting the theory become possible. InheritingConfucius’ theory of benevolence has very important modern significance. Specially, it has mainlyfour aspects: to promote the building of a new kind of economic ethics; to inspire the concept ofPeace and Prosperity in China; to provide political resources for building a harmonious society; topromote national human spirit to improve national self-esteem and confidence.