The Influence of Confucianism on Formation Zeng Guo-fan’s System of Philosophical Views

Abstract

Zeng Guo-fan played an important role in the development of the position of Confucianism in China. The article is devoted to the consideration of the cate­gorical and conceptual apparatus of the philosophical system of Zeng Guo-fan. The thinker found points of contact between his own progressive ideas related to the development of personality and basic Confucian values. For the first time, translations of Zeng Guo-fan’s reflections on the ways of self-improvement of the individual are introduced into scientific circulation, recommendations for daily practical actions. A significant role in the formation and development of Zeng Guo-fan’s philosophical system of views was played by neo-Confucian­ism, namely the “teaching of the heart”, which the thinker analyzed through the prism of his practical life experience. The article presents an analysis of the most significant categories of Confucianism such as humanity, wisdom, conscious­ness/heart, reverence, sincerity, generosity. Zeng Guo-fan in his system of philo­sophical views brings a personality practical values such as diligence, modera­tion, calmness, constancy, lack of laziness, practicality, education.