10.10.2004
Universal appeal of Confucius
PETALING JAYA: Confucianism is not an inflexible and authoritarian doctrine but a way of life, said a professor who specialises in Chinese studies. Dr Lo Yuet Keung, of the Department of Chinese Studies at the National University of Singapore, said one must get to know and appreciate Confucius to understand what the doctrine is about.
“Confucius is an unusually perceptive and reflective person with diligence, honesty and integrity.
“His teachings are incredibly profound and useful in modern life. He teaches us to become human beings with mutual respect and filial piety,” Dr Lo said in his public lecture on Let Confucius Speak: What is it that we call Confucianism? at Menara Star here, yesterday.
Dr Lo said one could not speak in favour or against Confucius without an understanding of the teachings and the influence they have in shaping a person.
“Confucianism is one of the fabrics that constitute the Chinese culture. We have been using the expertise of Confucius in one way or another, even though most of us don’t realise it.
“Yet we often complain how it constrained our way of living, stifle our creativity and impede the development of science and democracy in modern society,” he said.
Dr Lo said one must read the analects, to understand what made Confucius remarkable, instead of just relying on translations.
“If you were interested in dating a girl, would you ask your best friend to do it for you? You would surely try yourself to win her over instead of hearing from another person and risk losing her to your best friend.
“Likewise, one must go back to the source – the analects – to understand what Confucius has to say,” he said.
MCA president and Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting attended the event, which was chaired by The Star’s research editor Dr Lee Kam Heng.
Ong said Confucianism should be encouraged in schools and in society, adding that the teaching is universal and suits all races since it is not religious but just a philosophy of life.
“Young people should pick up the good values as there is a lot of moral guidance that teaches people to have good ethics, especially in a society where such values are now lacking.”
Ong said the lecture was timely, as the MCA had launched its life-long learning programme on Friday.
The Star group editorial/education adviser and Asian Centre for Media Studies executive director Datuk Ng Poh Tip was also present.
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