Dear PKS Community,
MLK himself is an iconic figure in the Chinese speaking world, and social activists and artists in China have routinely referenced Dr. King in their work. While a number of commentators have made comparisons between Dr. King and the ancient philosopher Mozi 墨子who called for his own brand of “unconditional love” 博爱 as the basis for an activist political philosophy, even the Confucian tradition grounds education in service to the community.
At PKS, we help our students understand that bettering themselves, furthering their understanding and ability to see issues and problems from multiple perspectives, and developing and honing their intellectual and analytical skills are the very basis of effective service to the community. If we want to be “of use” to society and our fellow citizens, we need first to be our best selves, learn to be diligent, humble, open-minded and inclusive in our attitudes and orientation to others.
In the Classical Chinese text known as the Great Learning 大学, there is a wonderful passage that gets right to the heart of this – showing that the root of a well-ordered world is service and justice, which comes through education, and that education is grounded in curiosity and a passion for learning. So on this MLK Day, I’ll offer my own translation (along with the Classical Chinese original, in traditional characters):
In ancient times, those who wanted to manifest virtue in the world first ruled their states with justice;
In order to rule their states with justice, they first had to have harmonious relationships with their families;
In order to have harmonious relationships with their families, they first had to perfect themselves;
In order to perfect themselves, they first had to develop a sense of empathy and justice;
In order to develop a sense of empathy and justice, they first had to be genuine and sincere;
In order to be genuine and sincere, they first had to develop a passion for learning;
In order to develop a passion for learning, they first had to show curiosity and investigate the world around them.
古之欲明明德於天下者、先治其國。
欲治其國者先齊其家。
欲齊其家者先脩其身。
欲脩其身者先正其心。
欲正其心者先誠其意。
欲誠其意者先致其知。
致知在格物。
So there it is – the core of our school’s educational philosophy in a text from well over two thousand years ago. In PKS terms, effectively serving our community and the broader world starts with a sense of curiosity and humility, and a driving passion for learning about the world around us. As always at PKS, the traditions of progressive education and Mandarin immersion are simply a perfect match.
Happy MLK Day to all!
Chris