Classics keep enduring in modern times

Mutual learning

Beyond helping individuals navigate modern challenges, ancient texts also encourage cultural exchange and mutual learning — forces that have long driven the development of civilizations.

In Timaeus, a book of dialogues written by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato (427-347 BC), Athenian statesman Solon travels to Egypt and discovers records preserving knowledge that had long been lost in Greece.

"This is a story Plato heard and recorded. Maybe it's not historical fact, but it probably contains traces of reality," says Lou, adding that in The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers, one of the most important accounts of the lives of the West's best-known philosophers, author Diogenes Laertius (flourished in the third century) also mentioned that philosophy was influenced by ancient Egypt.

Evgenios Kalpyris, the Greek ambassador to China, highlights the value of communication between Greek and Chinese civilizations, mentioning that their differences can lead to positive results.

"Historical records indicate that the earliest encounter between Chinese and Greek civilizations dates back at least 2,400 years," says Kalpyris.

"We have learned to seek common ground while respecting differences. We do not view differences as barriers. On the contrary, they can promote coordination and harmony. Differences create opportunities for remarkable outcomes."

He points to differing views on human nature. Chinese philosopher Mencius (372-289 BC) believed human nature is good, while another philosopher, Xunzi (313-238 BC), believed it is inherently evil. Ancient Greek philosophers generally viewed human nature as neutral. Despite these differences, all believed that education and moral cultivation could help individuals grow.

Education and moral development are still among the most effective ways to address many of the world's challenges, Kalpyris says.

Inspired by such lessons, modern societies increasingly recognize the value of dialogue among civilizations. One example is the establishment of the Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens following the inaugural World Conference of Classics in 2024.

According to Li, the school's director, researchers from the school visited more than 50 sites across Greece during the past year, selected the Aggelokastro site for a joint excavation project with Greek archaeologists, and organized exhibitions, lectures and academic events in Athens.

"In the past, Chinese researchers often relied on existing Western scholarship without access to firsthand materials," Li says.

"Therefore, we established this school to gain firsthand knowledge through archaeological research and the study of Greek civilization, including its history, philosophy and art. This will lay a foundation for further study. Only on that basis can equal dialogue with Western scholars generate new ideas."

The second World Conference of Classics is another effort to deepen exchanges among civilizations in a new era.

He Fangying hopes the conference will encourage further discussion on topics such as virtue, social order, friendship and technology.

"This time, Chinese classical studies will be presented at the very birthplace of Western civilization. This is a milestone in the history of world civilizations," says He.