Cultural solutions to global challenges

BEIJING, November 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The world is going through rapid change and grappling with challenges not seen in a century. Many people can’t help but wonder: Could the world be better? CGTN Tian Weias a journalist and cultural communicator, shares her unique insights in this 10-minute video talk about china.

Tian says that from 800 BC to 200 BC, the world’s major civilizations produced some of the most brilliant thinkers: Confucius, Laozi, Zhuangzi, Xunzi and Hanfeizi in China; Socrates, Plato and Aristotle in Greece; the Jewish prophets Isaiah and Zoroaster of Persia; and there was Buddha of old India. They laid the philosophical groundwork for all of mankind and provided the best references people can turn to for answers.

But today, Tian points out that with Western-dominated narratives and perspectives, the right answers are out of reach.

According to her, there is an obvious lack of information on history and cultures, with far too limited a scope. For example, in 2013, Time Magazine, well known for having named the most influential person of the year, published a list of “100 most important people in history”. Person of Asia is part of the list. This clearly shows that some contemporary global values ​​reflect a very limited part of humanity’s past. How can people solve the challenges facing all of humanity, if they are only limited to inspiration and wisdom from certain parts of the world?

Tian says the information deficit and the loss of a diversity of narratives lead to even greater issues of lack of self-awareness and self-esteem in his own culture. Take the example of Confucianism. This school of thought emphasizes correctness of social relations, justice, kindness and sincerity. It teaches that a ruler should rule by virtue, not force, with a comprehensive system established to constrain imperial power. With a practical philosophy centered on the relationship between the individual and society, Confucianism has penetrated deep into people’s hearts.

Tian says that self-discovery, self-awareness and self-esteem of one’s own cultures are not only important for these people, it is a great service for all, because people should bring the utmost creativity and diversity to meet the challenges they face today. . (end)

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2022-11-07/Cultural-solutions-to-world-challenges-1eKxjb3oyWs/index.html

SOURCECGTN