traditional culture nurtures digital civilization
world internet conference nishan dialogue on digital civilization was held from june 25 to 27,in qufu, shandong province,the hometown of chinese philosopher confucius. (photo: s&t daily/wang xiaoxia)
by wang xiaoxia
china is the only country whose traditional culture has endured without interruption. as the core of chinese traditional culture, confucianism has shaped an all-encompassing way of thinking and living based on a profound human-centered philosophy.
the heart of traditional culture is in the profound insights into the human condition that has much to teach us in today's world, where the digital revolution is having a deep, comprehensive impact on productivity, production relations and social development.
adhering to innovation
an important reason why chinese civilization, which has lasted for more than 5,000 years, is still vibrant and has supported the country on its path to modernization, is that it has always embraced new things and adhered to innovation, said professor zhang weiwei from fudan university, while on recent wic nishan dialogue on digital civilization.
"if you can improve yourself in a day, do so each day, forever building on improvement." this is a well-known confucius saying that encourages chinese people to never stop making progress through learning and innovation.
with this spirit, china has completed the great transformation from agricultural civilization to industrial civilization in a few decades and is embracing the digital civilization.
people-centered philosophy
as we sail deeper into the age of ai, the waters become increasingly complex, said shahbaz khan, director of unesco beijing office. ai has realized the leap from cognitive function to generative function, and is transforming the way we learn, live and work, posing incredible possibilities and profound challenges.
facing challenges, the chinese civilization has a tradition of critical thinking. to deal with uncertainties, the trend is usually to seek benefits and avoid or reduce negative impacts on people.
it is a wave we must understand, navigate and guide with wisdom, akin to confucius' teaching, said khan. "education breeds confidence. confidence breeds hope. hope breeds peace," khan quoted confucius' words to reinforce ai's potential to ensure equitable, inclusive and quality education for all.
in addition to education, people-centered philosophy is reflected in national policies concerning internet governance and ai development and governance, to meet people's pursuit of a better life, and providing useful and affordable information services for all.
open and inclusive
"harmony in diversity" is also the essence of traditional chinese culture, which is conducive to promoting mutual learning, exchanges and collaboration in resolving global problems.
following the principles of openness, inclusiveness, cooperation and mutual learning, china will continue to participate in discussions under the un framework to promote more consensus and ultimately reach rules that reflect the will of all countries and respect the interests of all parties, said shenjian, deputy director-general of the department of arms control of china's ministry of foreign affairs.
