Confucian philosophy has left an indelible mark on Chinese food culture and dining etiquette. One of Confucius’ renowned rhetorical questions pondered, “Is it not delightful to have friends coming from distant quarters?” This query captures the joy that arises when friends arrive from afar.
Confucius also posited that dining was the origin of rituals. He observed that, during meals with students and guests, people adhered to specific etiquette norms. While this might seem like common sense today, it’s crucial to remember that Confucius, the eminent Chinese philosopher, formulated these thoughts over 2,500 years ago when striving to establish a new culture during a primitive era of development.
German philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) held a deep appreciation for dinner gatherings. He firmly believed that such occasions fostered intellectual stimulation, which he eloquently described as a “refreshing play of thoughts.” Dining alone, in Kant’s view, represented a missed opportunity. He regarded social gatherings as a “true remedy for the mind.”
As a significant event for cultural exchange, the Nishan Forum on World Civilizations is currently underway in Qufu, Shandong Province – the birthplace of Confucius. This forum will continue from September 26 to 28, 2023.