What U.S. can learn from China?

What U.S. can learn from China?

Introduction

China's economy is predicted to become the largest in the world by 2020 and surpass United States of America when U.S. suffers from financial crisis and unemployment. China has been considered a threat by the U.S. government and its influence is taken in the negative light. However, America is suggested to learn from the competition posed by China. The following paper highlights Confucianism policies and details what America should learn from China in order to occupy its position as one of the leading economies of the world like China has been doing.

Discussion

Confucianism

Confucianism philosophy is a system of philosophies guiding social and ethical behaviors. It is not a form of religion. Confucianism has built on a foundation to identify values and build ideals for the society. Robert Bellah called the philosophy to be known as the code of civil religion where there is a sense of identity and common understanding for the society (Berling, n.d). Master Kong Confucius, the thinker behind the philosophy did not want to create an entirely new religion but interpret it and describe the conduct expected from the people. The view was to have a sound policy and a strict law to make the rituals. Confucius also used the term rituals to describe the religious ceremonies and norms (Berling, n.d).

Affirmation of the values and behaviors to build basic relationships describe one side of the coin where human roles involved obligations and the participants have to adhere to their roles. Confucianism had later become the ideology of the state where it was utilized for the maintenance of law and order in the society (Berling, n.d). The philosophy not only stressed on humanity but on all the virtues. It emphasized on living together with love and kindness. One side of Confucianism described the acceptance of the obligations and performing them fully, the other side focused on the cultivation of human character and conscience, where cultivation reflected the need for broad education and polishing one's character (Richey, n.d).

The spiritual side of Confucianism was to develop and strengthen family interactions where people treated each other with love and respect and made sure that all the members are able to fulfill their needs (Berling, n.d). The corrupt rulers were criticized and abandoned and tried to bring about reformers. The idealistic principles of Confucianism were transcendent and perfect. The principles are related to everyday life.

The various aspects of Confucianism faced many controversies in ancient times. The tensions in the social and political arena were also depicted of high concern to the Chinese society. The people knew that Confucianism served the state with Orthodoxy and reformation (Richey, n.d) People considered Confucianism to be the foundation of an idealistic society and a hope for a bright future of China. Overall, Confucianism put an emphasis on trust, building relationships and applying values to everyday life. It focuses over building a foundation of a decent reputation by encouraging good networks, success and spiritual conduct for ...