At the 2024 China International Confucius Cultural Festival in Qufu City, young voices are redefining ancient philosophy for the digital age. 🎉 Arina, a student with dual Armenian-Russian heritage, shared her Gen-Z take on Confucianism with CGTN—and it’s all about harmony in a divided world.
🔍 \"Confucius teaches that personal growth isn’t just about you—it’s about how you fit into the bigger picture,\" says Arina. She connects his 2,575-year-old ideas of self-cultivation and family values to an Armenian proverb: \"Every person is the blacksmith of their own house.\" 🔨💡
Here’s the tea ☕: Both philosophies emphasize that stable communities start with individuals. \"Whether it’s your family or your country, you’ve got to forge your role first,\" Arina explains, drawing parallels between East Asian and Caucasus cultural values.
🌟 This cross-cultural exchange comes as over 10,000 attendees gather in Shandong Province to celebrate Confucius’ legacy. For Gen Zers like Arina, his teachings aren’t just history—they’re a roadmap for navigating globalization, climate crises, and digital disconnect.
🌱 \"Young people everywhere are asking: How do I matter? Confucius said it starts with your daily choices,\" she adds. Now that’s a vibe we can all resonate with. ✌️
