As stated in the introduction, we want to create a society where our system enables people to succeed and to be rewarded for their success. As such, the perfect education system we have devised is a synthesis of Confucius’ vision of critical education blended with Mohist materialistic incentives, and aspects of Mozian utilitarianism and state consequentialism. A perfect education system would be systemised, standardised, and not only serve to facilitate intellectual enlightenment, but also act as a vehicle for moral and cultural development. However we also wish to emphasis the importance of technical colleges, and vocational education and training schools.
To achieve this, we believe the most important aspect of our system to be its cost, or lack thereof. This gives everybody an equal chance to pursue tertiary education, regardless of their economic background and resulting in admission based solely on merit. The idea of meritocracy is found within the Analects:
The Master said, “In teaching, there are no differences in kind.” (15.39)
This sentiment is also found within Mohism:
“Even someone who worked as a farmer, artisan, or merchant, if they had talent they were promoted, given high rank and a handsome salary, entrusted with responsibility, and empowered to have their orders obeyed.” (Chapter 8: Honouring the Worthy)
There is no doubt that higher education leads to a more educated and productive workforce, which in turn benefits society as a whole. We believe that education should be enjoyed – this love of learning is emphasised by Confucius:
The Master said, “Be sincerely trustworthy and love learning, and hold fast to the good Way until death.” (8.13)
Thus, this system would promote both the intellectual and technical spheres equally and result in the desires of our people being fulfilled and enabling them to achieve their definition of success whilst also benefiting society overall.