The scene of the fourth Guoxue lecture [Photo/ptnet.cn]

Lecturer-Liu Xiaogan [Photo/ptnet.cn]

The fourth Guoxue lecture wrapped up on the evening of Sept.17 at the “Cross-Straits Guoxue Auditorium” based in Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone. The lecture, titled “To return injustice with resentment or with kindness: The Philosophies of Confucianism and Taoism in the past and the modern era”, was given by professor Liu Xiaogan, from Beijing Normal University. Roughly 200 Guoxue enthusiasts attended the lecture while as many as 15 million netizens have been attracted  to the online live stream.

Liu pointed out that returning injustice with resentment emphasizes more on senses of morality and righteousness for ordinary individuals, while the latter is more beneficial to harmony and social order, reflecting higher-ups with broad mind and great insight. Both are needed by humans.  

Li Zongren asks prof. Liu [Photo/ptnet.cn]

One audience named Li Zongren asked Liu: " Confucius advocates that one should take care of oneself first before anything else, only when the self is taking care of can he look at taking care of his home, nation and the world whereas Laozi contradicts this view suggesting that we should work for world peace. Is Laozi’s ideology much too idealistic? Can we take “returning injustice with resentment” as the basis, and “returning injustice with kindness” as a higher level of morality?"

Liu agreed, saying Laozi’s philosophy is indeed very much idealized, however it is not utopian.His philosophy would make more sense dating back to the time when he lived in. Morality should be emphasized, however overdoing it may result in hypocrisy.

Pingtan scenery amazes Liu

Before the lecture, Professor Liu Xiaogan toured around Pingtan. “I have been to quite a few places at home and abroad. But I have never seen a place like Pingtan with such an extensive coastline and bizarre-looking stones in my life,” exclaimed Liu.

Educational concept in Taoism

Liu, as a Taoism scholar, believes that Laozi’s thought can play a guiding role in children’s education, which is most concerned about by parents today. "Laozi advocates Laissez-faire and conformity to the law of nature," quoted Liu, exemplifying that he never requires her daughter to attend cram schools, although she is not the best one in the class. What he expects is that she is to stay enthusiastic about and enjoy the fun of learning after graduating from university.

Read more:Another heavyweight to lecture on Guoxue in Pingtan