45. On the Assimilation Function of Confucianism:Is Not Particularly Glorious

Chinese people generally take pride in the assimilation function of Confucianism. Whenever nomadic tribes from the north established regimes in China, they ultimately chose to promote Confucianism and honor the social systems that had prevailed since the Han Dynasty. This phenomenon has been interpreted as backward cultures learning from advanced ones, reflecting the superiority of China's social systems. In reality, this interpretation only scratches the surface without addressing the core issue.

Suppose you are the leader of a nomadic tribe who has conquered China. You face two choices: continue ruling through pastoralism and plunder, or govern using the Confucian system championed by Han emperors. Any leader with even a modicum of discernment would choose Confucianism, for this system is exceptionally advantageous to rulers.

Before becoming emperor, Liu Bang deeply despised Confucian scholars. With his sharp intellect, he understood Confucianism served as an accomplice to rulers. Yet upon ascending the throne, Liu Bang immediately recognized Confucianism's value to himself. He knew revering Confucius would ensure lasting peace for the Han dynasty and secure the throne for his descendants. This was the fundamental reason behind Liu Bang's pilgrimage to honor Confucius. While ostensibly paying homage to the sage, he was in truth worshipping his own vision of eternal dynastic rule.

Similarly, nomadic tribes embraced Confucianism primarily because they recognized its profound utility for rulers. Their choice of Confucianism stemmed not from its inherent superiority, but from its potent brainwashing and hypnotic qualities. It enabled the ruled subjects to unknowingly accept their domination, willingly becoming slaves to their rulers. All the rulers needed to do was continually venerate Confucius, the sage and teacher of rulers. This explains why, regardless of dynastic changes, the Confucian lineage was never eradicated. It also reveals the fundamental reason why every ruling dynasty, no matter how it changed, would champion Confucian institutions.

The so-called assimilation function of Confucianism stems fundamentally from its alignment with the rulers' governing needs. This mirrors how religion can only grow when intertwined with political power. Therefore, Confucianism's assimilation of foreign ethnic groups is absolutely not something for the Chinese to take pride in. On the contrary, the fact that Chinese society has cycled endlessly within authoritarian systems since the Qin and Han dynasties, failing to progress, is precisely the poisonous legacy of Confucian thought.

Once China embraces democracy, Confucian methods of social governance will inevitably be discarded, as Confucian hierarchical concepts are irreconcilable with democratic ideals of equality. While Confucianism is not entirely without merit, it must inevitably yield to democracy.