Cultivating patriotism among young people with excellent traditional Chinese culture

In September 2024, during a visit to Baoji, Shaanxi, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of further exploring and deeply studying the essence and spirit of the 5,000-year-old Chinese civilization. He encouraged promoting the great wisdom inherent in this civilization to foster respect and love for it, thereby enhancing a sense of pride in Chinese culture and encouraging the transmission of outstanding traditional culture to future generations. The Patriotism Education Law of the People’s Republic of China, which took effect on January 1 of this year, reinforces the integration of patriotism education with traditional Chinese culture through various dimensions, including general principles, responsibilities, and implementation measures. In this new era, nurturing a sense of patriotism in the youth through outstanding traditional culture is significantly valuable both theoretically and practically.

Outstanding traditional Chinese culture serves as fertile ground for cultivating patriotism among the Chinese people. It is a spiritual bond that unites the nation and nurtures the patriotic sentiments of its youth, providing a solid foundation for their confidence and source of inspiration. Historically, the Chinese have admired patriotic actions and ideals, such as “loyalty to the country” and “sacrificing oneself for the nation.” Patriotism is a deep-seated genetic trait of Chinese civilization and the essence of its traditional culture. Merging the historical and cultural heritage of the Chinese nation with patriotism education fosters a patriotic spirit while also promoting traditional culture, playing a crucial role in preserving the cultural identity of the Chinese civilization, enhancing cultural confidence, and supporting the development of socialist culture.

Cultural identity is crucial for national and ethnic solidarity, acting as a fundamental prerequisite for cultural confidence and serving as the deepest form of recognition. Chinese culture, with its rich history and profound essence, embodies over 5,000 years of shared history and common spiritual world among the Chinese people. By deeply mining the resources of traditional culture, we can cultivate a strong patriotic sentiment in the youth, facilitating their sense of belonging and recognition towards their nation and ethnicity, while also reinforcing national identity and cultural confidence.

The Communist Party of China has consistently placed great importance on cultural development, emphasizing its powerful ability to shape minds and souls through moral education. Traditional Chinese culture is rich with spiritual and moral wealth that can significantly elevate the character and cultural literacy of young students, strengthening their commitment to the great cause of national revitalization. Given the complexities of the current international and domestic landscape, it’s imperative to leverage traditional Chinese culture to nurture a new generation capable of fulfilling the responsibilities of national rejuvenation, thereby channeling strong energy into China’s modernization efforts. The central government has introduced several important documents, outlining strategic plans for promoting patriotism and innovatively developing traditional culture in a series of coordinated steps designed to cultivate a patriotic spirit among youth through cultural engagement.

The Patriotism Education Law outlines that patriotism education encompasses historical, cultural, and political elements, including outstanding traditional Chinese culture. Understanding the key components of nurturing patriotism through this cultural heritage is essential for effectively advancing these educational efforts.

Fostering a sense of national belonging, intertwining personal and national destinies is foundational. The deep-rooted sense of family and nation has historically supported the rejuvenation of the Chinese people. The philosophy that the fate of families and nations are linked reflects the essence of outstanding traditional culture. Key texts like the “Mencius” and “Li Ji” highlight the inseparable nature of family and country, reinforcing that love for one’s nation is integral to personal growth and responsibility towards national rejuvenation.

Fostering unity and dedication strengthens the awareness of the Chinese national community. The pursuit of unity has always been a core value for the Chinese nation. This enduring ideology emphasizes national identity across diverse ethnic groups, contributing to mutual recognition and emotional bonds. Encouraging the youth to connect their own futures with that of the nation solidifies their resolve for achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Promoting innovation and perseverance is crucial to instilling a sense of responsibility. Classic texts encourage the spirit of self-improvement and determination, reflecting the resilience and perseverance of the Chinese people. Achieving ambitious goals for national revitalization requires fostering a culture of innovation and hard work, helping youth cultivate a positive national perspective and a strong motivation to engage in reform and innovation.

Embracing harmony and inclusiveness is an essential traditional virtue of the Chinese culture. Values that emphasize mutual respect and harmony have historically shaped an inclusive character that encourages solidarity. Engaging with traditional notions of harmony fosters the values essential for nurturing ideal, responsible, and hardworking youth in today’s society.

To establish a robust educational framework for nurturing patriotism through outstanding traditional culture, a systematic approach is necessary. This entails aligning educational practices with the distinctive characteristics and developmental needs of youth, ensuring a cohesive effort across multiple fronts— including content, methodology, and integration.

Enhancing the nurturing system involves fostering collaboration among various stakeholders and establishing a comprehensive educational framework that synergizes classroom and extracurricular activities. Schools must contextualize patriotism education within all aspects of education, emphasizing connections between traditional culture and contemporary subjects.

Expanding content focuses on harnessing the rich resources of traditional culture to enhance students’ understanding of national history and cultural values. Promoting a deep connection to the country’s past can foster a stronger sense of patriotism and responsibility among young people.

Diversity in educational methods is vital. Educators should blend classroom learning with experiential activities, utilizing resources such as museums to inspire reverence for the nation’s heritage and instill a sense of pride. Leveraging modern communication platforms will engage youth in expressing their patriotism and cultivating a shared narrative of national pride, amplifying their awareness of cultural confidence.

Through these concerted efforts, there is a potential to create a dynamic and precise educational system that nurtures love for the country among the youth, ensuring the legacy of outstanding traditional Chinese culture thrives in future generations.