Key Concepts in Chinese Thought and Culture

Stimulation, Contemplation, Communication, and Criticism

According to Confucius（551-479BC）, The Book of Songs served these four purposes, which summarize the basic functions and values of literature. “Stimulation” means that the appreciation of literary works arouses imagination, stimulates reflection on society and life, and inspires aspirations and interests. “Contemplation” means that reading lea…

Establish One’s Credibility by Rewarding People for Moving a Log

According to Records of the Historian, in order to gain the people’s trust before initiating his political reforms, Shang Yang (390?-338 BC) announced that, regardless of whoever it might be, if anyone was able to move a huge log 3 zhang long（ approx. 7 meters） from the southern gateway to the northern gateway of the market in the capital city,…

Pure State of the Mind

The term refers to a state of mind that is completely empty and void. It originates from the book Zhuangzi, in which the meaning of the term was explained by Confucius (551-479 BC) to Yan Hui (521-481 BC). Zhuangzi (369?-286 BC) believed that one’s ears and heart distinguish between oneself and others and between right and wrong, while qi (气 vit…

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: The purposes of the Project are to select the concepts in Chinese culture and thought that reflect the characteristics of the country's traditional culture and the Chinese people's way of thinking, and that embody the core values of China.
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