I think that Confucianism has left a profound impact on
cultural thought. It seems to me that this is not a regional distinction, but rather
one that is seen in accepted principles of thought around the world. Confucius' belief
in the issue of human reciprocity not only formed the basis of his thought, but is
something that is the basis of liberalized democracy around the world. The fundamental
precept of these social and political orders is one of reciprocal treatment. This means
that individuals act in accordance to not doing unto others what would not be done do
unto the individual. The construction of private realm where individuals are free from
encroachment is something that is a part of liberal democratic society all over the
world. It is also something upon which Confucius based his thinking. In my mind, the
notion of Confucius' "blank slate" is something that predates the Lockian idea of
"tabula rasa" and is one element that is vitally believed in throughout the world in
different contexts. Recall how Confucius defines human
nature:
By
nature men are similar; by practice men are wide
apart.
This embrace of a
vision of human nature that is carved out by experience is one that is nearly
universally accepted in secular societies. Confucius' nature of the individual is
something that is seen throughout the world today and, along with his understanding of
human interaction, represents vital aspects of his legacy.
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