Question

2. How did Confucian humanism contribute to East Asia’s ultimately successful response to the challenges brought by colonialism?

Answer 1

A fierce thirst for the geographical expansions, greed for the self boosting of economy, economic and political turmoil, humiliation of the human rights, Ethnic rivalry, exploitation of natural resources and their uneven distribution, lack of good governance were some of the aftermaths/ challenges of colonialism.

Humanism is a fraternity that believes in the values and beliefs system which based on both rationality and faith/ feelings that guide the path of all mankind in the turbulent times and attempt to find a solace to come out of the chaos.

Confucian Humanism,(which initiated in the late nineteenth century), being a perfect blend of Buddhism, Shinto and Taoism, resulted into a holistic odyssey that accelerated equality, positive inclination towards human rights' protection, love for liberty, a balanced view of life, togetherness and sensitivity to creativity.

Social harmony and benevolence have been treated with utmost significance and respect in Confucianism. It played a major role in establishing healthy relationship between human beings and nature and thereby enhanced caring attitude and eradicated exploitation of the natural resources.

The male dominated society was challenged by feminism and women began to live with self esteem at its zenith. Preservation of cultural heritage and involvement of the local cultures are too the key attributes of Confucianism. This is how Confucianism contributed to East Asia's prosperity and responded successfully to colonialism's challenges.