Several years ago, I revised and expanded my earlier, rather superficial work Confucius. It represents only my limited personal views, and I welcome questions and criticism—offered in the spirit of “throwing out a brick to attract jade.”

I firmly believe that Arnold Toynbee’s prediction will come true in the 21st century. In 2011, when Hu Jintao erected a nine-ton statue of Confucius, it should have marked the beginning of a “Century of Confucius.” Unfortunately, it was ordered removed by the paramount leader Jiang Zemin. The “Century of Confucius” was aborted, and then Xi Jinping came to power and restored retrograde policies.

I also firmly believe that in the 2030s, the “Century of Confucius” will begin anew. Xi Jinping’s regression has cost China twenty years. He has politically destroyed Li Keqiang, but new figures like Li Keqiang will emerge. I look forward even more to the emergence of new leaders in the mold of Xu Zhangrun and Xu Zhiyong.

Zhong Wen
January 20, 2024
Virginia