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What is the origin of the concept "E ren wei ben" in China?
wchao37 Updated: 2004-03-19 09:29
China's PNC that ended last week in mid-March, 2004 promulgated the notion of putting people first ("e ren wei ben") and this concept is very important.
Contrary to widespread belief, the concept of humanitarian treatment of our fellow citizens, so succinctly delineated in the pithy phrase "e ren wei ben," is not modern or Western in origin. It is quintessential Confucian in origin.
Confucius (551-479 B.C) and Mencius (372-289 B.C.) lived in the chaotic Warring States Period and sought means for restoring order and social harmony through individual morality. They advocated a hierarchical social order allowing for individual ability and dedication, while firmly believing that everyone is born with the seeds of virtue and imbued with the spirit of greatness and therefore should be treated with equal humanitarianism even as they hail from disadvantaged social backgrounds.
In other words, citizens from whatever social background - rich or poor, noble or commoner - can take a public examination and become the highest officials of the country.
The basis of a meritocracy through examinations was thus formed basing solely on the ability of individuals to improve themselves through education and self-development, and not through enjoying privileges by birthright.
In addition, by self-cultivation and following virtuous examples, literally anybody can become a sage. No priests or churches are necessary. Ecclesiastical orders imposed from above were regarded as counterproductive in achieving prosperity for the group, hindering the pursuit of self-development through secular, earth-bound activities.
European nations borrowed this Chinese concept beginning in Seventeenth Century England (some said earlier), through adopting the Chinese system of selecting civil servants from amongst the mass of educated commoners.
Thanks to Confucianism, these educated public officials selected through public examinations were the ones who made the complicated achievements of modern governments possible.
This is not to say that Confucianism is a panacea for all social ills, but weighing all the merits and demerits inherent in its teachings, it is still full of vitality in China's humanitarian re-constructive efforts embodied in the concept: "E ren wei ben."
| The above content represents the view of the author only. |
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