Abstract: Confucius's philosophy of Ren (benevolence) is the source of the pre-Qin Confucian theory of mind and nature as well as an ideological representation of the transformation of the patriarchal society in the late Spring and Autumn (770 B.C.E. -476 B.C.E.) period. Based on the perspectives of Marx's historical materialism and practice theory, this paper argues that Ren is not a purely moral category, but rather a condensed idea of the dual social relations within the patriarchal agricultural mode of production. As the essential power of the subject, Ren must take Li (ritual propriety) as an objective mediator to carry out objectification activities, so as to confirm itself in the sensuous world. This process precisely reveals the deep logical connection between Confucius's idea of “restraining oneself to return to ritual propriety” and Marx's concept of “the subject confirming itself in the object.” Undoubtedly, Confucius's attempt to resolve the social crisis brought about by the transformation of production relations through the personal cultivation of “inner sageliness” has its inevitable historical limitations. Utilizing Marxist methods for critical sublation, stripping away the feudal patriarchal shell attached to Ren, and activating its intersubjective wisdom can provide a solid theoretical foundation for promoting the integration of the basic tenets of Marxism with China's outstanding traditional culture.

Key words: Karl Marx, Confucius, Ren (benevolence), objectification activity, social relations