The Humanist Way in Ancient China

Book excerpt: From the son of heaven to the common peasant, the goal of the ancient Chinese was to be righteous, to promote filial piety, and to uphold human rights in a peaceful and harmonious world. He was heir to Confucius and his disciples, among the greatest humanists of any age or any people. To illustrate for the Western reader the richness and splendor of Chinese humanism, the editors of this volume have selected the Analects of Confucius, the complete works of Mencius, as well as selections from the other important Confucian classics. Though set down over 2,500 years ago, these Confucian attitudes on individual morality and on the conduct of society, government and politics remain liberal, enlightened and startlingly modern.