Beyond the Textbook: Twice a Week with Confucius-国际组-康妍

作者：康妍    时间：2025-12-10 17:28

I never imagined that a seemingly casual visit from Chinese teachers would turn into a semester-long journey with Confucius. At my private school in Ethiopia, the arrival of fluent English-speaking Chinese teachers during my ninth grade caught everyone by surprise. At first, we assumed they were here to promote Chinese products, given the country’s reputation for construction and manufacturing. Little did we know, they were introducing a new, regular course on Confucianism, one that would meet twice a week, reshaping not just our classroom, but our daily lives.

As a natural science student that year, I was excited about the prospect of meeting new, like-minded friends who shared my intellectual curiosity. What started as a lesson about ancient Chinese wisdom soon turned into a transformative experience. Confucius' teachings went beyond textbooks and lectures; they were integrated into our school’s rules, activities, and even our behavior. Initially, I was amazed and somewhat confused about applying Confucian ideas to my life. But now, as I reflect on that experience, I realize how deeply these teachings continue to influence the way I approach life, learning, and relationships.When the course first began, it felt like just another cultural presentation, something temporary. But soon, this “one-day experience” turned into something more—our regular timetable now included twice-weekly lessons on Confucianism, a subject none of us had expected to impact our lives so profoundly.

The first class began with a video lecture, showcasing Confucius as a figure who valued wisdom and good conduct. But after a few months, the atmosphere shifted into another way .We started gathering in a circle, often sitting outside the classroom, where our teachers told us stories, just as elders have done in Chinese culture for thousands of years. The tradition of storytelling in China, passed down through generations, became our classroom. These stories weren’t just lectures; they felt like wisdom shared in the quiet moments of life, like how a grandfather might pass on important lessons to his grandchildren under the shade of an old tree.

One of the first Confucian ideas that grabbed my attention was his belief that “real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.” It was a simple quote, yet powerful. For me, it became the foundation of my love for natural science. I began to see science as a journey, an endless pursuit of understanding. This concept encouraged me to approach learning not as a fixed destination but as a continuous, evolving path. Today, as an engineering student, I realize how this mindset guides my approach to problems and learning every day.

At first, the lessons seemed distant—how could ancient wisdom apply to my life as a teenager in modern Ethiopia? But I’ll never forget the day a classmate raised his hand and questioned one of Confucius’ teachings: “The superior man is concerned with the Way; the inferior man is concerned with the food.” He asked, “What does it mean to be ‘concerned with the Way’ in our busy lives, filled with school and technology?” This question stuck with me. To this day, the idea of “the Way” still amazes me. It forced me to consider what truly matters in life—something beyond the distractions of daily routine.

As the weeks went by, my initial confusion shifted to curiosity. I found myself diving deeper into the teachings, searching for more answers. I began watching videos on YouTube, looking for more ways to understand Confucianism and its relevance today. What started as a casual course soon became a transformative journey, one that has stayed with me and shaped the way I approach both my studies and life.

Confucianism was not just a set of abstract ideas; it quickly became woven into the fabric of our daily school life. One of the first things we experienced was a shift in the way we interacted with each other. At the beginning of the course, we were introduced to the Confucian emphasis on respect and harmony, values that extended far beyond simple politeness. Greeting rituals became more formal; we learned to respect teachers not just as authority figures, but as mentors. The way we approached group work also changed. Rather than competing for the spotlight, we focused on collaborative harmony, ensuring that everyone’s voice was heard and that the group worked together smoothly, just as Confucius emphasized the importance of balance in relationships and social roles.

One of the most memorable moments where I saw Confucianism in action was when a close friend of mine got involved in a heated quarrel with another classmate. It seemed like an insurmountable conflict, with both sides stubbornly holding their ground. I had learned from Confucius’ teaching: “The superior man is not a partisan; he seeks justice in the world.” Instead of taking sides, I managed to mediate the situation by remaining unbiased and encouraging both of them to listen and understand each other. It was my first real experience applying Confucian values of understanding, moderation, and fairness. Eventually, both parties came to an agreement, and the conflict was resolved without escalation—something that would have been nearly impossible if I hadn't taken the lessons to heart.

In addition to personal interactions, Confucianism also became part of the environment at school. Quotes from The Analects adorned the walls of our classrooms, constantly reminding us of the importance of virtuous behavior and moral integrity. These simple yet profound statements became a daily guide for how we were supposed to behave and interact, offering wisdom that extended beyond the classroom and into our daily lives.

Outside class, my friends and I continued exploring Confucian ideas, watching videos about his teachings together, discussing how they applied to the challenges we faced as teenagers. One of the most rewarding parts of that experience is knowing that two of my close friends, inspired by the lessons we learned, eventually moved to Beijing to study Chinese culture. I have no doubt that the foundation of Confucian teachings they encountered during our ninth-grade class played a significant role in guiding them to this point. Today, as they learn about Chinese history and culture in Beijing, I can clearly see how those early lessons shaped their passion for understanding the world through the lens of Confucius.

Over time, the teachings of Confucius didn’t just stay in the classroom, they shaped the way I began to see the world. I found myself approaching conflict with a new mindset, no longer reacting impulsively or emotionally. Instead, I learned to pause, listen, and seek understanding principles deeply rooted in Confucian ethics. In my relationships, especially with friends and family, I began to value mutual respect and quiet consistency over dramatic gestures. The more I embraced these ideas, the more I realized that Confucianism wasn’t just a philosophy,it was a way of living.

Even in my academic journey as an engineering student, Confucian values continue to guide me. Engineering is not just about numbers and machines; it requires discipline, patience, and the humility to accept that we don't know everything. Confucius once said, “When you know a thing, to hold that you know it; and when you do not, to admit that you do not, this is knowledge.” This mindset has helped me become a better learner. It reminds me to stay curious, to ask questions, and to be honest with myself, especially when I face challenges in my studies. In a field where overconfidence can lead to mistakes, the Confucian value of self-awareness has become one of my greatest tools.

One quote that I still carry with me is: “The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” It’s a simple idea, but it applies to everything, from solving engineering problems to developing better habits. It reminds me that progress doesn’t always come in big, dramatic leaps. Sometimes, it’s about patience, consistency, and quiet effort.One small step at a time.

Along the way, I also started to compare Confucius with other thinkers. One Western philosopher we briefly explored was Friedrich Nietzsche. Nietzsche championed individual power and personal will above tradition and social harmony. His philosophy was bold and rebellious, and while it had its own appeal, I found myself more drawn to Confucius' calm wisdom. Where Nietzsche’s ideas often felt like a challenge to society, Confucius offered a framework for improving it. I admired how Confucius believed in learning from others, respecting tradition, and striving for harmony,not domination. In a world that sometimes feels too loud and chaotic, his quiet, disciplined approach made more sense to me.

I now realize that Confucianism didn’t just shape my behavior,it helped shape my identity. It gave me a foundation of values that I still rely on: humility, respect, patience, and responsibility. These values influence how I treat people, how I study, and how I imagine my future. Even though that semester ended long ago, the voice of Confucius is still with me in every small choice I make, and in every quiet moment of reflection.

Looking back, what began as an unexpected school course has become one of the most meaningful chapters in my educational journey. Confucianism did not just teach me ancient wisdom,it taught me how to live better in the present. From the way I resolve conflicts to how I approach my studies, Confucius’ teachings have shaped my character in quiet but powerful ways.

In my own country, Ethiopia, some regions are still affected by war and internal conflict. As I observe the suffering and division, I’ve come to realize that many of these problems are rooted in a lack of communication, mutual understanding, and respect. These are exactly the issues Confucius addressed centuries ago. His teachings on harmony, empathy, and peaceful dialogue feel more relevant now than ever. I deeply wish that in the future, Confucian teachings will be introduced more broadly,especially in education,so that future generations may grow up with the tools to build peace, not conflict. If we are to move forward as a nation, we must first learn to understand one another.