Philosophy of the Mean
Philosophy of the Mean
Traditional Chinese culture is rich and extensive. As an important aspect of traditional Chinese culture, the idea of the golden mean is rich in philosophical implications. To Chinese people, “peace is the most valuable” in doing things and getting along with others. “Amiable temper brings with wealth” when doing business. In family relations, harmony in the family leads to prosperity in all undertakings. To build up a nation and bring peace to the country, the construction of “a harmonious society” is basic.
The concept of the golden mean was first proposed by Confucius. Zi Si (Kong Ji), the grandson of Confucius wrote the book The Doctrine of the Mean in order to prevent the loss of this thinking. The theme is to tell people to be engaged self-consciously in self-cultivation, self-supervision, self-education and self-perfection so that people can train themselves to have an ideal personality and become ideal people of perfection, kindness, honesty, virtue, morality and holiness. People create the realm of “peace and harmony”.
After the Song and Yuan Dynasties, The Doctrine of the Mean was officially set to be a textbook and a must-read book in imperial civil examinations. Even in the modern times, the practical value of the golden mean is still fully realized in life. For example:
The Doctrine of the Mean tells us that we should value the importance of peace while keeping self. We should stick to principles while avoiding over stubbornness. We should try to look foolish while avoiding real confusion in dealing with things. We should respect tradition while learning how to blaze new trials constantly. We should be active and enterprising while knowing to stop when the goal is achieved. We should keep our hearts as calm as still water while seeking to be independent.
The Doctrine of the Mean looks contradictory, but it is the unity of opposites. It looks neither left nor right, but is left and right. In reality, everyone should try to reach the realm of the golden mean even though it is difficult to achieve. People of this character can always look kind when kindness is needed, and behave strong enough when in difficult situations. They always remain calm and do not hesitate to act when necessary. They combine tolerance, broad-mindedness, kindness and flexibility. They look weak in character, and yet it is a character in characters.
The doctrine of the Mean is a world view, a methodology, and even the wisdom essence for successes and failures in a lifetime. Everything from self-cultivation, conduct to social stability cannot exist without the universal thinking of the golden mean. If all the people in the world can follow this principle, seek harmony and balance in doing anything, and control the degree in which they are get along with others and doing things, they will stand in a successful situation where they can get things done easily and move freely.
Traditional Chinese culture is rich and extensive. As an important aspect of traditional Chinese culture, the idea of the golden mean is rich in philosophical implications. To Chinese people, “peace is the most valuable” in doing things and getting along with others. “Amiable temper brings with wealth” when doing business. In family relations, harmony in the family leads to prosperity in all undertakings. To build up a nation and bring peace to the country, the construction of “a harmonious society” is basic.
The concept of the golden mean was first proposed by Confucius. Zi Si (Kong Ji), the grandson of Confucius wrote the book The Doctrine of the Mean in order to prevent the loss of this thinking. The theme is to tell people to be engaged self-consciously in self-cultivation, self-supervision, self-education and self-perfection so that people can train themselves to have an ideal personality and become ideal people of perfection, kindness, honesty, virtue, morality and holiness. People create the realm of “peace and harmony”.
After the Song and Yuan Dynasties, The Doctrine of the Mean was officially set to be a textbook and a must-read book in imperial civil examinations. Even in the modern times, the practical value of the golden mean is still fully realized in life. For example:
The Doctrine of the Mean tells us that we should value the importance of peace while keeping self. We should stick to principles while avoiding over stubbornness. We should try to look foolish while avoiding real confusion in dealing with things. We should respect tradition while learning how to blaze new trials constantly. We should be active and enterprising while knowing to stop when the goal is achieved. We should keep our hearts as calm as still water while seeking to be independent.
The Doctrine of the Mean looks contradictory, but it is the unity of opposites. It looks neither left nor right, but is left and right. In reality, everyone should try to reach the realm of the golden mean even though it is difficult to achieve. People of this character can always look kind when kindness is needed, and behave strong enough when in difficult situations. They always remain calm and do not hesitate to act when necessary. They combine tolerance, broad-mindedness, kindness and flexibility. They look weak in character, and yet it is a character in characters.
The doctrine of the Mean is a world view, a methodology, and even the wisdom essence for successes and failures in a lifetime. Everything from self-cultivation, conduct to social stability cannot exist without the universal thinking of the golden mean. If all the people in the world can follow this principle, seek harmony and balance in doing anything, and control the degree in which they are get along with others and doing things, they will stand in a successful situation where they can get things done easily and move freely.
