On the Wisdom in Education of the Confucian Practical Standpoint

Abstract

Confucius addressed principles of social conduct, governance, and education through examples of specific people and incidents, with a consistent practical standpoint and wisdom in education as implied in his doctrines of “concentrating on the essentials,” “behaving with benevolence,” and “bringing peace and happiness to the common people by cultivating one’s own moral character.” Upholding the ideal of building a world of great harmony and the standpoint of putting theory to action, Confucius emphasized the importance of “action” and personally established the curriculum and teaching system of the Six Arts. Even in the times of “collapsed rites and broken music,” Confucius managed to reach the state of “acting solely upon his own will.” His outstanding wisdom in education still bears enlightening significance in education today.