Since the 19th century, Western nations and Japan have advanced more quickly than most other parts of the world. Unfortunately, the new-found feelings of nationalism gave rise to expressions of imperialism. Advances in science and technology and achievements in the economic sector were converted into military power. China was among many nations which had to face the ill effects of this tendency.
As China's contacts with the west broadened, several Chinese scholars thought they could use the western ideas of material progress to reform the corrupt Ching dynasty. But instead, these western ideas only served to sap national confidence by gradually replacing traditional Chinese values. The nation's foundations were in grave danger of being degraded and eventually discarded.
Last year, a special NBC report entitled "If Japan, why not us?" was presented on local television. The program sought to find out why productivity and efficiency in Japan have become the best in the world. The report cited Japan's adherence to Confucian teachings, the essence of which is that truthfulness and consideration for others along with brotherhood and filial piety, are the most important virtues. The practice of harmonious personal relations which these teachings encourage was transplanted into Japanese factories with effects which are now well known.
Yasuhiro Nagasonei, a member of the Japanese Diet, pointed out that Japan's success, like that of other rapidly developing countries--the Republic of China, Korea, and Singapore included--has been influenced by Confucian teachings, especially the concepts of discipline, enthusiasm, and diligence. Basically, to assure that democracy and a free economy will work properly, there must be emphasis on both individual responsibility, social order, and national development, as well as on individualism and the government's obligations to the people.
Recently, Singapore began to reevaluate its spiritual foundations as unwanted changes quickly followed in the footsteps of rapid modernization. For example, the Singapore government plans to make a course on Confucian ethics mandatory at all levels of public education to reduce the occurrence of serious crimes, abandonment of parents by children and other problems associated with rapid urbanization. To accomplish these goals, the Singapore authorities decided to use Japan as a model.
Officials and educators in the Republic of China also feel the need to "reintroduce" and further inculcate Confucian values into the minds of modern youth. But, referring to the Singapore example, many of them have inevitably asked: "Isn't it deplorable that we have to look elsewhere for something which was originally ours?"
One scholar who has been contemplating this problem, and providing his own solutions, is Prof. Chien Mu, an expert in ancient and modern Chinese history. Despite his 88 years and failing eyesight, Prof. Chien still holds classes in his home for 20 to 30 students each Monday, in addition to his other classroom duties. Of his students, Prof. Chien says, "They're not the same as in the past. They take the good life for granted. They have too much freedom, so they are not challenged enough intellectually or pushed to their creative limits."
Perhaps Prof. Chien is thinking of his own background when he says this, for he is a self-made man. His father died when he was young so he was forced to abandon his studies to help support his family. Because he had to work all day, he never finished high school. But diligent studies in the evening eventually enabled him to gain an honorary Ph.D. from Yale University and become a college professor. Because of his background, he encourages students to develop themselves, to seek out and read books on their own, and to strive to maintain their own traditional standards in scholarly pursuits.
The students' response to Prof. Chien's teaching methods has been positive. A gifted speaker, Prof. Chien never lectures from notes--"the student can purchase this kind of information at any good book store," he says. Usually it's "standing room only" at his classes as students flock to hear his fascinating expositions.
Perhaps the most valuable lesson Prof. Chien has to offer his students is that having self-respect is vastly more important than being merely a scholar. He also emphasizes that one must digest the Confucian classics--not a simple undertaking--and works of other great ancient scholars. "Only by understanding the past can one grasp the key to the present," he says.
A staunch and firm traditionalist, Prof. Chien has come under constant attack for appearing too conservative and stubborn. But he brushes off these criticisms by saying: "It's ironic that these attacks come mainly from Chinese, while financial support for Confucian teachings comes from foreign sources." Furthermore, he says that traditionalism should not be confused with the corrupt practices of the stubborn Ching dynasty, as often happens. Prof. Chien stresses that the values of posterity and one's roots must be preserved if one's children are to do more than just survive in the biological sense. "Of course, traditional values must be merged with modern science. It is not necessarily true that the two are mutually exclusive." He goes on to say: "Perhaps people oppose traditional values and the teachings of the ancients because they don't really understand them. I've found that the more one understands something, the more one will appreciate and enjoy it."
Thus, Prof. Chien continues his work, unmoved by criticism, and encouraged by the response of his students. As he says, "I've been teaching for 70 years. It's not work any more. It's life itself."
[Picture Caption]
Left. "Books are my best friend", says Prof. Chien Mu. Right. Prof. Chien Mu and his wife, Hu Mei-chi.
Left. Hu Mei-chi drives the car on an outing. Right. Prof. Chien's field of expertise is the Chinese classics.
The pine tree is a symbol of the virtues and character of a gentleman in China. Prof. Chien poses for a photographer.
Prof. Chien Mu and his wife, Hu Mei-chi.
Hu Mei-chi drives the car on an outing.
Prof. Chien's field of expertise is the Chinese classics.
The pine tree is a symbol of the virtues and character of a gentleman in China. Prof. Chien poses for a photographer.
