Liang Qichao (1873–1929), a great thinker of the late Qing and early Republican period, provided insights that help us better understand Confucius. Selected excerpts are as follows:

Confucius is a human being
Confucius is a human, a former sage, a former teacher—not a god, ghost, or deity. Confucianism, though vast as the sun and moon, encompassing heaven and earth, cannot be destroyed for eternity.

Confucius was not superstitious
Confucius’ teachings focused on worldly affairs, the principles of ethics and morality. They contained no superstition, no ritual worship, no prohibition of doubt, and no hatred for heterodox beliefs. This is what distinguishes Confucianism from other religions. In essence, Confucius was a philosopher, a statesman, and an educator—not a religious founder.

Confucius valued intellectual freedom and tolerated dissenting or unusual ideas
When composing the Spring and Autumn Annals, Confucius addressed the rise and fall of three dynasties, evaluated hundreds of rulers, and included even extraordinary or unconventional viewpoints. Confucius’ greatness lies in his freedom of thought.

I have ears and eyes, and I have a mind. Living in today’s brilliant world of civilization, surveying the knowledge of East and West, ancient and modern, I can sit in judgment of its merits, adopting what is correct and discarding what is not.

Learn from the strengths of Buddhism and Christianity
For example, Buddhism teaches universal love, fearlessness, mastery over life and death, and the salvation of all beings. Christianity teaches equality, treating enemies as friends, and sacrificing oneself for the people. While Confucianism inherently contains such principles, I choose to adopt the most profound and clear aspects from other traditions to enrich understanding. If Confucianism lacks something that another teaches excellently, I do not hesitate to adopt it.

China’s history lacked religious conflict—a blessing from Confucius
One unique advantage of Chinese history is that for thousands of years, we experienced no destructive religious wars. In Europe, for centuries, politicians devoted half their efforts to reconciling religions and restoring political authority. In modern history, these conflicts are well-documented. China’s freedom from such turmoil is indeed a blessing left to us by Confucius.

Confucius was not authoritarian; anyone can be a teacher
Buddhism claims, “Above and below, I alone am honored.” Christianity claims, “The one true Son of God.” Their doctrines are rigid and fixed. Confucius, in contrast, allows even ordinary people to explore from all sides, and among three people, one can be my teacher. The spirit of Confucianism is free, not authoritarian.

Confucius endures across time yet adapts to circumstances
Confucius’ teachings were addressed to the people of over two thousand years ago, and to a unified, insular China. Many of his universal principles remain timeless, while other interpretations evolve with the times.

Confucius was the sage of his era
As Mencius said, “Confucius was the sage of his time.” If Confucius were born today, I know his doctrines would inevitably adapt and change.

Great is Confucius; the sea is wide for fish, the sky is vast for birds
Great is Confucius! The sea is wide for fish to leap, the sky is vast for birds to fly. Respecting Confucius in this manner reveals his true nature; interpreting his teachings in this spirit ensures their continuity. Confucius, unlike narrow religions, opens a path for us to follow, a path we should rejoice in and never squander.

I love Confucius, but I love truth more
I love Confucius, yet I love truth even more! I love my ancestors, yet I love my country more! I love old friends, yet I love freedom more!

No educator in history surpasses Confucius in moral education
Modern educators emphasize moral education: cultivating the qualities that make a person truly human. Many sages, East and West, have discussed this, but none more so than Confucius.

Confucius holds a central place in the moral education of the world
In the future global landscape of moral education, Confucius will occupy a position of primary importance—this I can confidently predict.

Chinese citizens will become global citizens, benefiting from Confucius’ legacy
Today, Chinese people are no longer only citizens of the Spring and Autumn or Warring States periods; we are citizens of the 20th century, and eventually, global citizens. Those who study Confucius will inevitably inherit the essence of his teachings.

Confucius’ influence will continue to flourish
Socrates and Aristotle cannot compare to Confucius, yet their teachings endure ever stronger with time. Should we fear for Confucius? I confidently assert: if the world lacked politics, education, and philosophy, Confucianism would perish. As long as these three exist, Confucianism will continue to flourish without end!

(Excerpted from Liang Qichao, On the Preservation of Confucianism Is Not the Way to Respect Confucius, 1902)