165. Honoring the 2,560th anniversary of the birth of Confucius

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 29, 2009
Mr. AL GREEN of Texas (for himself, Mr. CAO, Ms. LEE of California, Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas, Mr. CROWLEY, Mr. HONDA, Ms. CHU, Ms. HIRONO, Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, Ms. WATSON, Mr. ELLISON, Ms. BERKLEY, Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, Ms. FUDGE, Ms. KILROY, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Mr. BECERRA, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. LEVIN, Mr. CLEAVER, Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. NADLER of New York, Ms. MCCOLLUM, Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. CARSON of Indiana, Ms. CLARKE, Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. TOWNS, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Mr. SCOTT of Georgia, Mr. CLAY, Ms. WATERS, Mr. MEEKS of New York, Mr. MILLER of North Carolina, Mr. SABLAN, Mr. SHERMAN, and Mr. FILNER) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs


RESOLUTION

Honoring the 2,560th anniversary of the birth of Confucius and recognizing his invaluable contributions to philosophy and social and political thought. Whereas September 28, 551 B.C., is recognized as the date on which Confucius was born in the town of Qufu, in what is now the Shandong Province of China;
Whereas Confucius, who is one of the greatest thinkers, teachers, and social philosophers in history, developed a philosophy that has deeply influenced, and continues to influence, the social and political thought of countries around the world, including China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam;
Whereas Confucius counseled introspection, self-cultivation, sincerity, and the observance of respect within social relationships as a means of achieving justice and attaining morality in personal and public life, reflecting a moral fiber of the highest degree;
Whereas the teaching of Confucius that `what one does not wish for oneself, one ought not to do to anyone else; what one recognizes as desirable for oneself, one ought to be willing to grant to others' is a model for ethical behavior and for the promotion of harmony among us;
Whereas Confucius taught that an ideal government is founded upon loyalty, respect for elders, and recognition of the importance of family; and
Whereas Confucius taught that politicians must be models of truthfulness and morality, which serves as a reminder to all of our duty to serve with the utmost honor and respect: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives honors the 2,560th anniversary of the birth of Confucius and recognizes his invaluable contributions to philosophy and social and political thought.
END
More information is available through this link. You also can find information regarding Benjamin Franklin and Confucian moral philosophy in the previous posts, such as Item 142.