How Deng brought together Confucius and Lenin: Chinese records (2)

Strict selection

Confucian philosophy built a system of moral values ​​and rules of conduct with the aim of forming a state administration that was as professional, just and moral as possible. This administration was managed by a wise emperor. The administration was formed on a hierarchical principle. This principle had to be respected.

The wise emperor had to be the embodiment of moral behavior, love of justice and philanthropy. He had to cherish the virtues of his family and his ancestors, be brave, a lover of art, music, etc.

Confucianism also advocated frequent change of mind in accordance with new (scientific) knowledge, new information. Changing one's mind was an important segment of a person's mental ability to act in everyday practice. Changing one's mind was not related to morality. (With Montenegrins it is the other way around. Unfortunately.)

So, it's about China's openness and rapid adaptability to new ideas and the ability to apply them in practice when broader social circumstances change.

With its spiritual totality and especially intellectual flexibility, Confucian consciousness and - the education of society based on that and such consciousness - over time became cohesive and the central consciousness of the spirit of China and its people.

All in all, Confucianism protected the stability of government and the state. It also significantly contributed to the survival and progress of China.

It is very important for Europeans to point out that Confucianism never developed into a religious, dogmatic or supranational institutional belief. On the contrary. It relied more on the expansion of the (moral) power of man within man, than on the expansion of the power of some institution outside man to rule over man.

According to Confucianism, Imperial examinationit was based solely on meritocracy (knowledge) and offered a chance to small, ordinary people to become top state administrators and managers.

Regardless of the change of numerous dynasties, this form of very strict selection (a kind of censorship) lasted from 605 to 1905, or 1.500 years.

The fact of communism

At the beginning of the 20th century, the last Chinese emperor fell, Pu JiThe period of dynasties ended and with it censorship "fell" The Imperial Exam.

A period of chaos ensues in China with elements of civil war. Japan and the political West (especially Great Britain) directly contribute to the strengthening and spread of chaos in China.

In this turmoil, the communists, led by Mao Zedong, with the help of the USSR (JV Stalin) did the best job. They seized power and in 1949 formed People's Republic of China.

With the coming to power of Mao's communists, chaos - in the form of the so-called "kcultural revolutions" - dramatically increases. The crisis takes on an ideological-communist and anti-Confucian spiritual and practical character.

Mao's Revolutionary Youth and Students (Red Guard) became the punching fist and the engine of the state's downfall.

This is nothing unusual or new. Because - in almost all revolutions and post-revolutionary events, student youth are conservative and politically very dangerous. Mostly youth are used for dirty work and spreading chaos. China was no exception here.

In other words, ideological (communist) censorship, with the help of uneducated and abused youth/students, almost destroyed the magnificent Chinese civilization that was built over 2.500 years.

In order to build an ideal and classless society, a class war was waged without mercy for the opponent. One consciousness (Communism) sought to win and triumph over another consciousness (Confucianism).

Deng's turnaround

In such circumstances, a "communist" enters the public scene. Deng Ksiao Ping with the idea of ​​reform and opening China to the world of various ideas and practices. That is to say, Deng turned his back on the ideas and practices of communism, but also on the feudal way of thinking.

His historic, revolutionary, glorious and revolutionary thought was: ""It doesn't matter whether the cat is white or black, what matters is that it catches mice."

This means that it is not the form that is important, but the content.

Politically speaking, it is not ideology that matters, but the lives of the Chinese people.

So, the path of reform was outlined and on the horizon. But its implementation was not guaranteed. Success was yet to come.

Deng only felt freedom in the "red" darkness.

China's good fortune in misfortune was that the reformist, driving force behind China's transformation was older, even very old people. Because there is no politics without experience, responsible, courageous and educated leadership.

And that means there is no reform without "ambitions of the mind that by encouraging democracy within the party, the people would be allowed to become rich. Of course, Mao's mistakes should be pointed out, without taking into account", is also famous, practical and non-vindictive Deng Xiaoping's attitude towards the rival ("hard") current of Mao's followers.

The experienced Deng knew that to implement reform, the idea and will alone are not enough if the will is not backed by the power of a strong state institution.

Behind Deng stood the military, which was (which rarely happens in the world) the most responsible part of Chinese society at the time. Also, the leading part of the Chinese secret police (MPS) was similar to the military.

Deng fought his way to become chairman in the CCP Central Committee. Military commissions which appointed and removed generals. So Deng ruled the military.

The experienced and wise Deng held the pivotal congresses and plenums of the Party (CCP) in hotels near military barracks. (No harm done.)

He was supported by powerful people from the top of the party and state. They also supported Deng when he used tanks against pro-Western protesters in Tiananmen Square in 1989.

A government that lasts

Deng's reforms separated economics from politics (ideology). He rejected multi-party system and organized a centralized Confucian-Leninist type of government in the state.

This type of government continues to exist today and has proven to be successful.

It is obvious that this Chinese sage knew exactly, or rather, felt To what extent should the "thread" of party rivals or factions in their struggle for power be tightened. Without the thread breaking and causing terrible chaos in China.

In his reform work, Deng Xiaoping made cruel and harsh decisions. But many believe that Deng saved Chinese society, peace, and the integrity of China.

The path of social reform was "paved and paved."

Everything was permitted that was not forbidden.

Deng Xiaoping placed science, education, and personnel selection - hence, personnel censorship - at the forefront of China's fundamental transformation.

After about 15 years, Deng managed to transform society and maintain a one-party system ruled by the “communists.” They still rule successfully today.

The system is stable and economically thriving.

Let's conclude here about China.

If one were to try to present China's success and their experience in "two points", it would be that there is no success without:

First, excellent and wise leaders who think as sovereignly and supranationally as possible and make key decisions in the interests of their country and their people.

Another, that there is no state progress without (con)centration and management of accumulation from the central level of the state, as well as the concentration of top personnel in expanding their "right" to govern the state.

But also that this elite gets richer as much and as quickly as possible. With "party" or some other censorship, of course.

(End in next issue)