The Connotation of a Human Community with a Shared Future within the Confucian Tianxia (All-under-Heaven) Worldview and Its Contemporary Relevance

Abstract

Confucianism, particularly its tianxia (all-under-Heaven) worldview, offers rich conceptual resources and holds significant implications for the contemporary construction of a human community with a shared future. The concept of species-being within this worldview highlights the moral commonality and equality of humanity as a community. Its public spirit articulates the ideal of “tianxia is for the public good” signifying that humanity shares extensive common interests; therefore, fairness, justice, and equality should be core values in global governance and international relations, with win-win cooperation as the guiding principle for national development. The ideal of great harmony (datong) embodies the traditional Chinese vision for a better future society, offering crucial insights for realizing the human community with a shared future. Finally, the transcendent dimension of the worldview fosters a profound sense of mission, encapsulated by the maxim “the fate of tianxia rests upon the shoulders of every common person,” which articulates a universalist spirit of responsibility.

Keywords

tianxia worldview / human community with a shared future / Confucianism / great harmony

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Higher Education Press