A New Paradigm for Human Civilization Beyond the "Ancient and Modern, Eastern and Western" Dichotomy
Professor Wang Qiang, Tenured Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University
The discourse on the "Debates of Ancient and Modern, Eastern and Western" is pervasive, with both Eastern and Western studies striving for progress amidst the tensions of this dichotomy. On March 23, 2013, President Xi introduced to the global stage the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity, addressing the profound questions of "where is the world headed, and what actions should humanity take?" The questions of "what kind of world to construct and how to build it" are timeless challenges in the evolution of human society.
The genesis of this new paradigm of human civilization is rooted in the establishment and expansion of the Chinese path to modernization, which has enabled the emergence of a new culture that embodies the "cultural form of Chinese-style modernization." Additionally, it is a testament to the innovative principle of the "second combination," which involves a fresh interpretation of tradition and an exploration of its constructive aspects through integration rather than mere application, thus transcending the "ancient and modern, Eastern and Western" debate. This transformation is evident in several key areas: First, the historical trajectory of Chinese-style modernization is now unfolding within the broader canvas of "world history," establishing an intrinsic link with the global historical narrative. The "ancient and modern, Eastern and Western" debate has shifted from the century-old question of "Where is China heading?" regarding the destiny of Chinese civilization to the more encompassing queries of "Where is the world heading?" and "Where is humanity heading?" As a result, this discourse has gained a universal significance within the global historical context. Second, this new culture is not only the cultural manifestation of Chinese-style modernization but also a product of the innovative principle that bridges past and present—the "second synthesis." It is a result of a new civilizational perspective that integrates Chinese and foreign elements, promoting mutual exchange and learning. In essence, this new form of human civilization is a cultural innovation that arises from the Chinese approach to modernization and is characterized by a principled integration that looks both inward and outward, fostering a global vision of cultural exchange and mutual enlightenment.
Furthermore, "because the Chinese path to modernization is intrinsically linked to world history, China's historical practices inevitably influence the course of world history and manifest their profound significance at critical junctures." The Xi Jinping Thought on Culture represents the era's achievement for the CPC in addressing the "debate of ancient and modern, Chinese and Western." It also expands the contemporary connotations of this debate and underscores its significance in world history—from questioning "Where is China heading?" to pondering "Where is the world heading?" The scholarly elucidation of this proposition offers theoretical backing for the historical roots and contemporary positioning of the Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, while simultaneously enriching and advancing the temporal connotations and global implications of the issue. By providing a timely response to this question, the particularistic concerns of the "debate of ancient and modern, Chinese and Western" are elevated to the universal historical fate of human civilization. Consequently, when we revisit the "debate of ancient and modern, Chinese and Western" today, we are able to reassess ourselves through the lens of global civilization, situating the modern transformation of Chinese civilization and recognizing its significance as a new form of global civilization.
Chinese civilization is renowned for its exceptional inclusivity. Openness and inclusiveness have consistently been the wellspring of vitality for civilizational progress. It is precisely through the guidance of a "macro-historical perspective" that encompasses both domestic and international insights, as well as transcending the boundaries of ancient and modern times, that we can confidently navigate beyond the "debate of ancient and modern, Chinese and Western" with a sense of cultural self-assurance. Only by deeply understanding the outstanding elements and salient features of Chinese civilization can we identify the breakthroughs for modern transformation and the convergence points with Marxist principles. The Xi Jinping Thought on Culture has not only dispelled the misconception that "modernization equates to Westernization" through the practice of Chinese-style modernization, resolving the dual challenge of upholding cultural identity amidst modernization, but it has also transcended the narrow views on the relative merits of Chinese and Western cultures and the simplistic binary thinking of cultural opposition. With a broad vision that embraces the world, Chinese cultural thought has offered new perspectives for addressing the complexities of the "debate of ancient and modern, Chinese and Western" in the contemporary era. It has contributed Chinese wisdom to the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity and to the emergence of a new paradigm in human civilization.
Published on August 22, 2024