each how to correspond with others in a neighborly way. The scholars and philosophers read classics that had been shelved, and interpreted them philosophically, instead of trying to explain philologically. This was widely accepted, and Neo- Confucianism was adopted nationally. Although Neo- Confucianism was part of daily life for people and Neo- confusion degree holders were in office, it was radical for the government. Neo- Confucianism is a cultivation of the self, so government officials were often fired or left to pursue intellectual options (reading the classics). It is not the lack of interest in government that kept Neo- Confusions from interacted with the modernizing world, but this idea ( the main idea behind Neo- Confucianism) of cultivation of the self. For a common Chinese person, these ideas gave them an explanation. Instead of living for the next life, or the real life in the spiritual world, Neo- Confucianism explained things in this life. Ordinary things were explained, and the natural cycle of birth through death was acknowledged. Neo means new, and although this thinking was new for China, the effects of it did not breed new international relations. Though there was some interaction with certain countries, and of course missionaries, there has never been real penetration into Chinese culture, religion, or government (excluding Mongols). Neo- Confusion intellects did not concern themselves with the military, nor with trade and commerce, so they did not stimulate the government. The government itself was trying to deal with the issues concerning their own people (or themselves), and not with the issues the West was concerning themselves with. Intellectuals stride to learn and teach, and if that is the path you take, then it will be for your entire life. If that is so, then trading and international relations are not you concern. Intellectuals (in China) push themselves forward in an effort to understand as mu...
