Page 121 - 2022(1) International Confusion Studies

114 H. He

new paradigm. Generally, the course of an individual’s life and his future pros-
pects are usually determined by the social and cultural circumstances in which
he lives in. Faced with today’s globalization and technological challenges,
Confucianism may not therefore hold as much promise as hoped because it
cannot regain its former historical status. On the other hand, Confucianism could
have a bright future thanks to some of its unique characteristics, its rich ideo-
logical resources and its long-standing ability to be passed down from generation
to generation.

1 The Position

In the 2000 or more years that followed the Western Han Dynasty (206 B.C.E.–25
C.E.), Confucianism dominated socio-political life and the slogan “Respect Only
Confucianism” was advanced. The upper class—the ruling elite in particular—
was almost exclusively composed of Confucian scholars who played three
different types of role in their life. First, they were scholars, then officials
appointed through recommendation and assessment, or by passing the imperial
examination, and thirdly landed gentry after their retirement and going back to
their rural homeland with fame and prestige. They were responsible for the
settlement of local disputes; for civic projects like the construction of bridges
androads,aswellasdoing public good forlocal residentssuchasdisaster
relief. Quite often, the three roles were interchangeable. Essentially they were
scholar-officials serving theimperialcourt,though sometimes they would stay
in hometown in order to mourn the death of a parent, or waiting for a new
appointment.
Generally speaking, one had to have the qualification of a scholar to be able to
play the roles in the abovementioned three areas. Only those committed students
would become first class scholars who were then selected and appointed to be
officials, and only those who were erudite could enjoy prestige and respect in
official circles. Those who had passed the imperial examination at the county level
but had no ambition nor opportunity to climb higher, could still obtain a certain
rank or title and be granted some legitimate benefits. They were part of “a scholar-
official community” and revered as “learned men”. Thus they could also gain some
financial advantages, for instance, they were qualified to teach in private schools.
Once they passed the imperial examination at a provincial level, they would attain
higher status in the community and could enter officialdom. Those who did not
want to become officials would be appointed head of an academic institution, or