A British vlogger recently shared his understanding of "ren", the traditional Confucian concept of benevolence, finding similarities between Confucianism and Aristotelian philosophy.
With the 10th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations scheduled to kick off on the coming Wednesday in Qufu City, east China's Shandong Province, with the theme "Traditional Culture and Modern Civilization", British vlogger Jason Lightfoot recently visited the city which is the birthplace of ancient Chinese sage Confucius. He went to the Confucius Museum and the Nishan Sacred Land and shared his experience and feelings with the China Global Television Network (CGTN) in a video.
He filmed himself in front of a statue of Confucius, explaining that the height of the statue relates to Confucius' success as an educator and philosopher.
"You can see behind me this huge statue standing at 72 meters tall representing his 72 outstanding students," Lightfoot said.
"Confucius, also known as Kongzi or Kongfu Zi, is one of the most influential philosophers and educators in Chinese history. He lived during the Spring and Autumn period of Chinese history, around 551 to 479 BC, and is considered the founder of Confucianism, a philosophical and ethical system that has profoundly shaped Chinese culture and society for over two millennia," he continued.
He said that what moved him most was the unique understanding of the concept of ren (benevolence) in Confucianism. In Aristotelian philosophy, there are similar concepts, but the Confucian interpretation of the core value of ren is profound and thought-provoking, according to the vlogger.
"In humanism, 'ren' (benevolence) aligns with principles of secular humanism which emphasizes the value of dignity and every individual and the importance of human welfare. Humanists advocate for compassion, empathy and mutual respect among people, which resonates with the Confucian ideal of 'ren'. Also, in Aristotle's Virtue Ethics, the concept of philia, which means friendship and the virtue of magnanimity, share a common ground with 'ren'. Aristotle's emphasis on cultivating virtues to achieve human flourishing parallels Confucius' focus on 'ren' as essential for personal and social harmony," Lightfoot explained.
"Confucius emphasized the importance of self-cultivation and moral development as foundational to achieving 'ren'. This involves understanding one's own virtues and flaws, striving for personal improvement and cultivating a sense of self-respect based on ethical behavior and harmonious relationships. Similarly, Western values promote self-respect through virtues like honesty, integrity and self-discipline," Lightfoot said.
Through this experience, Lightfoot said he has gained a new knowledge and understanding of Confucianism.
British vlogger's take on "ren", or benevolence, in Confucianism
May 15 marks the 77th anniversary of Nakba, the massive exodus of Palestinians that occurred in 1948 following the establishment of the state of Israel. Yet decades later, displaced Palestinians in Gaza are facing a worsening humanitarian crisis due to Israel's blockade of goods and supplies.
Israel blocked the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2, following the end of the first phase of a January ceasefire deal with Hamas. It resumed attacks on Gaza on March 18.
Concerns over Gaza's humanitarian crisis are mounting following Israel's recent declaration that it plans to intensify its ongoing military campaign.
Salem Abu Aqda is 78 years old, whose family fled to Gaza from northern Palestine decades ago. According to Salem Abu Aqda, life in Gaza is now miserable due to severe shortages of daily necessities, but they have nowhere else to go.
"Long time ago, they pushed us out of northern Palestine to the Gaza Strip. Now, Israel is chasing us all the way to Gaza. We are still caught in the midst of war. This is not a war between two states (armies), but they are just killing the helpless civilians who hold nothing but a stick. What's more, Israel has deprived us of basic living necessities. They have shut down the border crossings, leaving us without flour, rice, fish, and meat, absolutely nothing. Where are our human rights?" said Salem Abu Aqda.
Ahmed Hamad is one of the many displaced Palestinians now seeking shelter in overcrowded refugee camps in Gaza.
His family was forced to flee seven times over the past year before finally returning to their home, which, however, was no longer there.
"What we are experiencing now is even worse than the Nakba of 1948. We have suffered massacres, hunger, killing and repeated displacement. Now, the Israeli military urges us to move to the western part of Gaza, claiming it is a safe zone. But the reality is that we are attacked no matter where we go. We fled south to Rafah -- only for it to be bombed. We escaped to Khan Yunis and Deir al-Balah -- only to see them bombed as well. Finally, we returned to Northern Gaza, and it also came under attack. The truth is, we live in a constant state of violence and displacement. Wherever we go, we face attacks. Death surrounds us everywhere," said Ahmed Hamad.
Israel's military campaign in Gaza, launched after Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on Oct 7, 2023, had so far killed 52,928 Palestinians, Gaza health authorities said on Wednesday.
Humanitarian conditions in the territory have continued to deteriorate, with large-scale destruction, limited access to aid, and worsening shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Aid agencies have warned that civilians, particularly women and children, are bearing the brunt of the ongoing conflict.
Palestinians face worsening humanitarian crisis due to Israel's blockade of aid into Gaza
