Culture is often regarded as the essence of a nation and its people. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party, General Secretary Xi Jinping has continually highlighted the vital role of cultural development in governance. In this new era, we are witnessing exciting new dynamics in the transmission and evolution of culture, with significant strides being made toward building a robust socialist cultural nation.
As General Secretary Xi remarked, “Chinese-style modernization infuses modern power into Chinese civilization, while Chinese civilization provides profound depth to Chinese-style modernization.” The vast expanse of Chinese civilization serves as the foundation for our confidence and strength.
Confucianism, frequently described as the “background color of Chinese culture,” has long nurtured the spiritual character of the Chinese people and has had a significant impact on the world. However, for centuries, there was no comprehensive collection of Confucian texts. At the start of this century, Professor Tang Yijie from Peking University proposed an ambitious project aimed at compiling the “Confucian Collection.”
In May 2014, during a visit to Peking University, General Secretary Xi engaged with Professor Tang, expressing genuine interest in the progress of the “Confucian Collection.” He noted, “This is a very meaningful endeavor that carries on Chinese civilization. Professor Tang has made a significant contribution.”
After two decades of dedicated effort, the compilation team has published the “Essence Edition” of the “Confucian Collection,” which comprises 510 titles and 282 volumes, totaling nearly 200 million words. The complete compilation of the “Confucian Collection” is now officially underway.
The best way to honor history is by creating new history. As we embark on this journey in the new era, guided by Xi Jinping’s cultural thoughts, we are presented with a new cultural mission that will undoubtedly lead to the creation of a new culture reflective of our time, illuminating a new path for Chinese culture.
