Confucianism is the root of Chinese culture. For two thousand years, the ideas and behavior of the Chinese have been under the sway of Confucianism. As is known, Confucianism has been the mainstream of Oriental culture; Oriental societies, especially those of Japan, Korea, Okinawa and Vietnam, territories near China, have been largely influenced by Confucianism in both political measures and living style.

The courses of Mandarin Chinese, Confucius’ philosophy and Confucianism are popularly offered in the universities of the above- mentioned territories; in these territories, people build Confucian temples, observe the Confucian memorial ceremony, and circulate widely the portraits of Confucius. All these facts bear witness to the influence of Confucianism. That Confucianism breaks down the barriers of time and space accounts for the fact that Confucianism not only characterizes Chinese culture but also symbolizes Oriental civilization.

The Japanese scholar Kozima Akiyoshilo, inspired by the great influence of Confucianism, once said:
“Confucius is the greatest among the great men and the most sagacious among the sages. Born in the Orient, he is the common honor of the Orientals. If, instead of singing his praises, harm is done to his fame as a sage, not only the honor of China, but also that of the Orientals will be undermined.”

Kung Te-Cheng, the 77th lineal descendent of Confucius.