Confucian thought has influenced and shaped the cultural landscape of Asia; first the May 4th Movement, then the Cultural Revolution followed by the blows dealt to it by capitalist society. But in this era of a rising China, this Eastern wisdom not only remains an important cornerstone of Chinese culture, but also resonates with many people abroad.

The most representative work of the Confucian school is the Analects of Confucius, compiled by his disciples; the work, written in classical Chinese, is possessed of the pleasing elegance of the ancient Chinese language, and is the source of numerous common phrases that have been passed down over thousands of years. But after 2000 years of linguistic evolution, the average Chinese person needs an instructor to explain and translate the language in order to grasp its subtleties. In 2010, the Institute for Information Industry's Digital Education Institute has produced a series titled “Girls on Confucius” that uses lighthearted examples that will be familiar from the life experiences of many modern Chinese combined with energetic young actresses to create interpretations of the Analects that are distinctly 21st century.

There are currently four official clips on Youtube on the following phrases from the Analects:

Analects, Wei Ling Gong: “The Master said, ‘When a number of people are together, for a whole day, without their conversation turning on righteousness, and when they are fond of carrying out the suggestions of a small shrewdness; theirs is indeed a hard case.’”

Analects, Shu Er: “The Master said, ‘When I walk along with two others, they may serve me as my teachers. I will select their good qualities and follow them, their bad qualities and avoid them.”

Analects, Xue Er: “The Master said, ‘Fine words and an insinuating appearance are seldom associated with true virtue.”

Analects, Zi Lu: “The Master said, ‘Do not be desirous to have things done quickly; do not look at small advantages. Desire to have things done quickly prevents their being done thoroughly. Looking at small advantages prevents great affairs from being accomplished.”

With innovative methods of dissemination, the Analects will no longer seem so approachable and mysterious; the wisdom of Confucius can be expressed in ways that are easily understood by all, allowing them to become a piece of cultural heritage that can be appreciated in a new era. We look forward to seeing what quality visual works of culture the future holds.