Code of Conduct for Young People written by President Chiang Kai-shek
The survival of a country, the robust development of a democratic system, must be complemented by the high minded ideals of Civic Education. In a democratic election, if citizens exercise their votes only on the logic of personal prejudices and benefits, ignoring the interests of minorities, the notions of right and wrong, the concept of justice, then politics will be abominable, society will be despicable. In a government, if officials from different rankings enter civil service based only on the calculations of personal ambitions and benefits, even though the country has realized a democratic system, with comparatively more legal supervisions on the excesses of power and interests, the government will still not be honest nor just, the people will still not be secure nor content. Through Civic Education, Civic Virtues can be nurtured, especially starting from a young age, and this is the true long-term hundred years’ plan for a country. Through Civic Education, Civic Conscience can be fostered, and this is the most important power to safeguard foreign policies and domestic policies of a country.
As early as September in the 24th year of the Republic (1935), when Chairman Chiang Kai-shek (國民政府軍事委員會 蔣介石委員長 1887-1975) was commander of the O-mei Officers Training Corps (峨嵋軍官訓練團), he collaborated with Tai Chi-t’ao (戴季陶 1891-1949) to write the Code of Conduct for the Scouts of China (中國童子軍守則). In the same year on 12 November, the birth anniversary of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, Chairman Chiang Kai-shek directed all members of the Chinese Kuomintang to read and practice the Code of Conduct for the Scouts of China, and on 18th November, during the Fifth National Congress of the Chinese Kuomintang, the Code of Conduct for the Scouts of China was adopted to become the Code of Conduct for Members of the Chinese Kuomintang (中國國民黨黨員守則).
In the 27th year of the Republic (1938), Ch’en Li-fu (陳立夫 1900-2001), minister of education, believed that the Code of Conduct for Members of the Chinese Kuomintang was equally suitable for young people, and should be introduced to schools nationwide. The Ministry of Education then revised the title to Code of Conduct for Young People.
At a time when our society is in urgent need of Civic Education, Civic Virtues and Civic Conscience, the Code of Conduct for Young People can still be of great relevance. The Code of Conduct for Young People is not only suitable for young people, but in fact suitable for all. The twelve codes in the Code of Conduct are hereby listed, to be mottoes for the nationals of the Republic of China:
1.Loyalty and courage are the foundations for love of the country.
2.Filial piety is the foundation for harmony in the family.
3.Benevolence is the foundation for interaction with the world.
4.Truthfulness and Justice are the foundations for building a career.
5.Harmony and peace are the foundations for conducting oneself.
6.Propriety is the foundation for attending work.
7.Obedience is the foundation for being responsible.
8.Diligence and frugality are the foundations for servicing people.
9.Cleanliness is the foundation for healthy living.
10.Helping people is the foundation for happiness.
11.Knowledge is the foundation for benefiting the world.
12.Perseverance is the foundation for success.
