Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s9.t2.16

v1.c7.s9.t2.16

Confucius holds an important position in the Chinese and world cultural histories. He and his philosophical theory were highly valued by his contemporary. Confucianism has become one of the influential scholastic and academic pursuits as early as in the Warring States Times. Zigong said, “Other virtuous men are like low hills that can be surmounted. But Confucius is like the sun and moon that are insurmountable. Even if someone wanted to alienate himself from them, that would not harm the sun and moon one bit. It would only serve to show that he did not know his own measure” (Zizhang), which shows Zigong has the greatest esteem for his teacher Confucius, deeming the semblance of his good and honest virtue with the sun and moon. Mencius also evaluated Confucius by quoting eulogy made by Confucius’ disciples, thinking that he is the brightest among the multitude of mass populace, and has been the greatest man of moral cultivation since the emergence of human being. It is evident that his eminent virtue has long been woven into the social fabric of Chinese civilisation. The comments and eulogy made by his disciples and scholars of later generations are perhaps somehow exaggerated, but it is clearly evident that these comments and eulogy are expressed from the bottom of their hearts.