Confucius' wisdom offers insights for today's education

Wu Yingmin, former vice-president of the Chinese Society of Education and former vice-president of South China Normal University, shared his insights into Confucius' educational philosophy in Qufu, the hometown of Confucius, on Sept 27.

Wu said Confucius' ideas, including "education for all without discrimination" and teaching students according to their aptitude, continue to offer insights for education today.

He shared his purpose for visiting Qufu during the China International Confucius Culture Festival. Wu said he came to explore the roots of Chinese educational thought and gain a deeper understanding of Confucius' educational philosophy, including how the great sage taught his students and the origins of his influential ideas.

The 2026 China International Confucius Culture Festival opened in Qufu of East China's Shandong province on Sept 28 under the theme "Benevolence and Rituals for a World of Shared Harmony". The event featured an opening ceremony followed by a grand memorial ceremony honoring Confucius.