The Philosophical Implications of “The People Are the Foundation of the State” for the Ancient Confucian Culture of Rites and Music

Abstract

Confucianism emphasizes the critical role of the mutual construction of “rites” and “music” in both personal moral development and the governance of society. It asserts that through the cultivation of these cultural elements, individuals are inspired to pursue virtuous behavior, ultimately fostering social harmony and political stability. To fully understand Confucian rites and music, one must recognize the underlying principle of “the people are the foundation of the state”，which offers profound insights for addressing contemporary issues in social construction.