Economics
Confucius Makes a Comeback in China
Scholars and businessmen embrace his meritocratic views
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On Oct. 27 dozens of scholars packed a conference room in Beijing’s university district for a weekend forum on Confucianism. There was much discussion of traditional topics, like the leadership role in society for junzi—or the exemplary gentleman—and the proper place for xiaoren—the short-sighted, acquisitive average citizen. These were first raised by the Chinese sage some 2,500 years ago and compiled by his disciples in the Analects.