Let me give you the context of this question: my friend is studying for his PhD in Vietaneme History and made an off-the-cuff comment that I am very curious about. Essentially, he posited that Confuscious was so revered after his death in China, that Chinese scholars and learned men/women dedicated their lives to memorizing his life and teachings, rather than devoting time and energy to new areas of knowledge. He claimed that this stiffled innovation and progress in China for several decades/centuries, as all the brilliant minds were consumed with memorizing the old,r ather than discovering the new.
Is there any truth to this statement? If so, what impact did it have on China overall?
no. If any thing, the opposite.
Confucius was so revered, mostly as a teacher who taught students of all status with individualized lessons. Confucius was a great egalitarian. He did not distinguish his students by their births, only by their abilities. He tailored his lessons to each of his students' abilities and weaknesses. Thus, by example, he taught many Chinese that they could learn to better themselves by education.
After Confucius, Chinese culture became focused on education. Emperors adopted meritocracy by examination and abilities.
Confucian scholar didn't just memorize Confucius writings, but also history and mathematics, practiced calligraphy, painting, etc.
Scientific observations were considered part of historical archiving, a sacred duty of all officials and scholars.
The Chinese scholars kept meticulous records of observations of heavens and earthly events, floods, river levels, agricultural innovations, plant species.