Benjamin K. Hammer, Managing Editor of the Journal of Chinese Humanities, an English-language extension of Journal of Literature, History and Philosophy, published by Brill. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The reason Confucianism has endured and thrived for 2,500 years is that so many of its teachings transcend time and space. As the modern Confucian scholar Roger Ames (安乐哲) likes to point out, Confucius (551–479 BC) is no longer merely a part of China's heritage – it is a part of world heritage. 

Its main tenets are grounded and universal: practice benevolence and justice, act properly in social situations, try to cultivate wisdom, be honest and reliable (仁义礼智信). Confucianism locates the beginning of morality within the household, so family ethics have always been a central part of Confucian ethics. Looking at Western civilization, built upon individualism, built upon abstract forms of ethics which separate every individual from his or her circumstantial conditions, could take a lesson from Confucianism's family ethics. 

Anchoring ethics in familial relationships and responsibilities fosters a sense of community; it allows us to see clearly that we have real, moral responsibilities to others, not just ourselves. This sense of responsibility helps children grow into adults, into productive members of society. At a time in the West, especially America, when so many individuals are claiming a moral high ground to vociferously demand more rights and protections and benefits for themselves, they have lost sight of their own obligations to the greater society in which they live. It reminds me of the famous line from the Inaugural Address of American President John F. Kennedy: "Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country."