Mark Csikszentmihalyi, a leading expert in early Confucianism at UC Berkeley, dives into the legacy of Kongzi, or Confucius. He discusses how archaeological discoveries reshape our understanding of early Chinese philosophy and the significance of material culture, such as bronze vessels, in interpreting Confucian rituals. The conversation also highlights Confucius's enduring influence during the Han dynasty, examining new texts that challenge previous beliefs and underscore his pivotal role in Chinese intellectual history.