Harmony is Precious: The Humanistic Spirit in the Life Education of Confucianism and Catholicism

Abstract

This essay defines that from the humanistic spirit of Confucianism, human life in ‘Orderliness --- --- Harmony’ is affirmed. ‘Propriety being practiced and harmony being precious’ (Confucius Analects, Xu Er) is used to establish the ‘life education’ for people. Also, from the emphasis on self-awareness in the humanistic spirit of Catholicism, people’s recognition and confirmation on value orientation is empowered. This helps people to elevate their ability to release their own hearts and souls in order to teach them that they must bear humility in their hearts. People must also have the sharing of ‘love’ in their hearts and souls. The crux of the matter is how to help people to demonstrate: the dignity of rationalism; the dignity of a good conscience and the dignity of freedom. It all the more stresses that Catholicism must have an in-depth understanding of society to help society go towards concord and harmonious co-existence; and confirm that in the culture of pluralist society holding religious dialogue is the mission of the era.