Page 10 - 2022(1) International Confusion Studies

Inherit and Carry Forward Traditional Chinese Culture 3

the importance of respecting the diversity of civilizations and promoting mutual
learning, while inheriting and carrying forward one’s own traditions and cultures.
Some scholars regard the age of Confucius as the “axis of human civilization,”
when a variety of civilizations in different regions of both the East and the West
enjoyed breakthroughs in their respective development, represented by the great
thinkers like Sakyamuni, Socrates, and Plato. These civilizations continued to
evolve along their respective paths, communicating and learning from each other
all along. It is the diversity of civilizations that has collectively created the spiritual
wealth of human beings and promoted the continuous progress of human society,
ranging from ancient Chinese, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and In-
dian civilizations, to the present-day Asian, African, European, American, and
Oceanian civilizations. Likewise, diversity is essential for academic research on
culture and thought. For this reason, International Confucian Studies has been
launched to serve as a platform to lead creative research, showcase high-level
research achievements, support outstanding scholars, promote international
academic and cultural communication, carry out rational dialogues and mutual
learning between civilizations, and encourage understanding and friendship
between people of different countries. We shall work closely with both Chinese and
international scholars to promote creative evolution and development of fine
traditional Chinese culture, so that Chinese civilization and all the other brilliant
civilizations in the world may provide positive spiritual guidance and support for
humanity.
Peace and development remain the call of our day and human society is full of
hope. Meanwhile, changes at a level unseen in a century and complicated by the
pandemic have led to more unstable and uncertain international situations. The
world is still faced with serious challenges such as wars and conflicts, social
contradictions, and environmental crises. It has become more urgent and realistic
for mankind to build a community with a shared future, proposed by President
Xi Jinping in 2013. To meet the challenges and create a better future, we need
not only the wisdom and strength of today, but also the wisdom and strength
accumulated in history. We should follow the philosophy of looking into the
future with history as a mirror; creatively develop traditional Chinese culture,
including Confucianism; carry forward the cultural ideals that transcend time,
space, national boundaries, and are relevant to contemporary values. We should
uphold the common values shared by all mankind-peace, development, fairness,
justice, democracy, and freedom; seek common ground while setting aside
differences, break down barriers, enhance mutual trust, and promote co-existence
of civilizations. We should contribute our share to building a world that enjoys
lasting peace, universal security, common prosperity, a world that is open and
inclusive, cleaner and more beautiful.