On the educational thought of Confucianism

Chinese educational thought has a long history. This chapter devots to the educational ideal of Confucianism, centering on the concept of “learning” and taking Confucius as the core. “Learning” about loyalty and filial piety does not refer to “learning the classics” but to moral education and personality education. The personality of a man of noble character may be acquired through learning and cultivation and continuous self-training in moral character. According to Confucius, both men of noble character and the common people should receive edification, and receiving edification and learning classics are just the opposite. The concept of “one can become a sage through learning” was mature as early as in the Pre-Qin Period. The concept that one can become a sage through learning not only defines the humanistic nature of education in educational objectives but also makes “education” focus not on teaching but on learning.