The Ideas of Confucius and China’s Development
On 12 November 2010, the State Institute for Culture and the Diplomatic Institute, jointly with the Embassy of China in Sofia, hosted a lecture by Prof. Kong Xiangjin, 75th generation grandson of Confucius.Mr Kong Xiangjin described the profound and comprehensive teachings of Confucius as a well-structured school of thought that was based on three main areas of authority: its political philosophy, promoting a harmonious society, and social wellbeing. Confucius’ central ideal was of a harmonious society. It ought to single out virtuous and skilful leaders; its members should value trust, love each other, and live in understanding. The comprehensive teachings of Confucius had a leading role in the central state ideology as early as 2000 years ago. The heirs of Confucius today are 3 million across the world. Mrs Lyudmila Dimitrova, Director of the Institute, emphasised that respect for the centuries-old tradition and discovering the contemporary message in the teachings of Confucius is a topic of practical importance for the State Institute for Culture and for its activities in the area of cultural diplomacy. She added that China’s choice of the elements of its national identity that it would use to communicate with the world and to connect with other cultures was a topic of European dimensions, and that it was on Europe’s agenda, since Europe was anxiously searching for its image. Mrs Dimitrova expressed her belief that the lecture of Mr Kong Xiangjin would encourage the Institute for Culture in its activities in the area of cultural diplomacy and cultural co-operation.
Media coverage:
Interview for the 24 Chasa Daily;
Interview for the Novinar Daily;
Interview for the BNT