Wang Yangming, one of China’s most renowned neo-Confucian philosophers, continues to inspire and influence Chinese people despite more than five centuries having passed since his life. Alongside being a philosopher, Wang was also a calligrapher, military general, politician, and writer. His contributions to neo-Confucianism, the revival of the philosophical, social, and ethical thoughts of Confucius, are particularly noteworthy.
Wang’s doctrine of the “unity of knowing and acting” is perhaps his most famous contribution to neo-Confucian thought. This doctrine stresses the importance of combining knowledge and action, and of acquiring knowledge through actions. When Wang spoke of “knowledge,” he was referring to liangzhi, the capacity for moral judgment, rather than factual knowledge.
Wang believed that everyone possesses innate knowledge of right and wrong from birth. This knowledge is intuitive and does not need to be acquired through learning. Wang’s confidence in the power of “innate knowing” led him to believe that there is a sage in everyone. He argued that becoming a “fully moral agent” is easy, as all one needs to do is get rid of selfish desires. By doing so, one can perceive the good and remove evil.
To commemorate the 550th anniversary of Wang’s birth, the World Yangming Philosophy Conference was held in late November in Yuyao and Shaoxing, located in the Zhejiang province of East China. The conference provided an opportunity to reflect on the significance of Wang’s contributions to neo-Confucianism and his enduring impact on Chinese culture and society.
Wang’s emphasis on the importance of moral judgment resonates with many Chinese people today. His ideas have had a profound impact on Chinese culture and have influenced Chinese education, literature, and art. His ideas on moral judgment are also a guiding principle for many Chinese business leaders, who seek to balance profits with ethical considerations.
In his own lifetime, Wang was a controversial figure who faced criticism and opposition from some quarters. Nevertheless, his legacy endures, and his ideas continue to be studied and debated by scholars and philosophers worldwide. Wang’s contributions to philosophy and society are a testament to the enduring power of ideas and the importance of critical thinking and ethical reflection.
Wang Yangming’s contributions to neo-Confucianism and philosophy have had a lasting impact on Chinese culture and society. His emphasis on the unity of knowing and acting, innate knowledge, and moral judgment continue to inspire and influence Chinese people today. The World Yangming Philosophy Conference is a testament to his enduring legacy and the continued relevance of his ideas.
The thoughts and practices of Wang Yangming’s philosophy were discussed at the World Yangming Philosophy Conference held in Yuyao and Shaoxing in East China’s Zhejiang province in late November. Researchers from different disciplines and backgrounds gathered to discuss two main themes: “cultural resonance in a community with a shared future for mankind” and “Yangming philosophy and common prosperity”.
Li Guoqiang, associate dean of the Chinese Academy of History, highlighted the relevance of Wang’s thoughts to China’s modernization. He suggested connecting Wang’s ideas, such as “innate knowing” and the “unity of knowing and acting”, with Marxism theories to create a strong workforce for the modernization drive. This would provide a new approach to promote social development and a prosperous future for all.
Yang Guorong, president of the China Philosophy History Association, emphasized the similarities between Wang’s thoughts and the idea of common prosperity. He explained that Wang’s principles aim to make people aware of their responsibilities to society, reflecting the idea of common development. According to Yang, “common prosperity means striving for all people,” and the idea behind it can be traced back to traditional Chinese culture, including Confucianism. He also suggested that inspiration could be drawn from the “unity of knowing and acting” and “innate knowing” to find ways to achieve common prosperity.
During the conference, researchers discussed the theories and practices of Wang’s philosophy from various angles. The idea of cultural resonance in a community with a shared future for mankind was also discussed. The aim was to promote global cultural exchanges and enhance cultural understanding between countries, which could help achieve peace and development for all.
The conference provided a platform for scholars to share their ideas and insights on Wang’s philosophy and its relevance in modern times. The discussions showed that Wang’s philosophy is still highly regarded and relevant today. His ideas on the importance of combining knowledge and action, innate knowing, and the search for a common prosperity continue to influence Chinese society and beyond.
Zhu Hanmin, the vice-chairman of the International Confucian Association, highlighted that China’s dedication to creating a community with a shared future for humanity is based on its traditional culture. This culture is exemplified by Wang’s belief that everything in the universe was originally one. According to Zhu, Wang’s practical thought and humanistic spirit are similar to the concept of “a community with a shared future for mankind.”
Chen Zhiping, president of the Chinese Society on Ming Dynasty History, agreed that Wang’s philosophy still has relevance in modern times. Wang proposed that social governance is based on changing people’s thoughts, which Chen believes can be applied to the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind.
During the conference, researchers from different disciplines and backgrounds discussed Wang’s philosophy and its application to modern times. Li Guoqiang, associate dean of the Chinese Academy of History, suggested that Wang’s ideas, such as “innate knowing” and the “unity of knowing and acting,” could be connected to Marxist theories to develop a strong workforce for China’s modernization drive.
Yang Guorong, president of the China Philosophy History Association, emphasized the similarities between Wang’s philosophy and the idea of common prosperity. He noted that Wang’s principles seek to make people aware of their responsibilities to society, which reflects the concept of common development. Drawing inspiration from Wang’s ideas, including the “unity of knowing and acting” and “innate knowing,” could help determine ways to achieve common prosperity.
Scholars from various fields have recognized the value of Wang Yangming’s philosophy in modern times. They have discussed how his ideas can be applied to China’s modernization drive and the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind. Through their discussion, they have highlighted the humanistic spirit and practicality of Wang’s thought, making it clear that his legacy continues to influence Chinese culture and society today.
The city of Yuyao has been implementing Wang Yangming’s philosophy in its development strategies in recent years, particularly through the “Moral Bank” program. This program assigns “moral points” to residents based on their demonstrated ethical conduct. Various departments, including public security, tax, market regulation, and local banks, as well as big data technologies, are all involved in the evaluation process, in addition to self-evaluation by the residents themselves.
Residents can accumulate points through activities such as volunteer services. Those who have accumulated the required amount of “moral points” are eligible for loans at lower interest rates at the Yuyao Rural Commercial Bank. They can also redeem over 300 services, including free parking and discounts on haircuts, with their accumulated “moral points.”
By promoting and incentivizing moral behavior, Yuyao hopes to create a society that values social responsibility and personal ethics. The “Moral Bank” program exemplifies the application of Wang’s philosophy of the “unity of knowing and acting,” emphasizing the connection between knowledge and action, and the integration of individual morality with social development.
The implementation of the “Moral Bank” program has not only achieved practical results but also generated a broader impact on the community. It reflects the values and cultural traditions of the region and has received support from residents who feel a sense of pride in participating in building a more ethical society.
For many years, Shaojiaqiu village in Yuyao was known as a “village of difficulties” due to disputes between villagers and undeveloped infrastructure. However, in 2012, things began to change when the “Moral Bank” was introduced to the village, encouraging locals to start their own businesses and earn “moral points” to qualify for loans.
Since the introduction of the bank, it has offered unsecured loans to 120 households in the village, allowing them to invest in their businesses and improve their quality of life. Additionally, the village has seen a surge in charitable activities and infrastructure development, with locals donating more than 10 million yuan ($1.4 million) in recent years.
The “Moral Bank” program quantifies the moral behavior of residents into “moral points”, which can be earned through volunteer services and other community activities. To qualify for loans at cheaper interest rates, residents must accumulate a required number of “moral points”. The program has also attracted the involvement of various government departments and big data technologies for the evaluation process.
The success of the “Moral Bank” program in Shaojiaqiu village is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives that are rooted in traditional Chinese philosophy, such as the teachings of Wang Yangming. By promoting a culture of moral behavior and social responsibility, the program has not only helped to revitalize the village’s economy but has also brought the community closer together.
The “Moral Bank” program has inspired similar initiatives in other parts of China, highlighting the potential for traditional Chinese philosophy to inform modern governance and economic development. As China continues to strive towards building a community with a shared future for mankind, programs like the “Moral Bank” serve as a promising model for sustainable and inclusive growth.
The “Moral Bank” program has had a transformative impact on Shaojiaqiu village in Yuyao by promoting moral behavior, community engagement, and economic development. It serves as a prime example of how traditional Chinese philosophy can be leveraged to drive modern initiatives that contribute to a shared future for mankind.