Key Concepts in Chinese Thought and Culture

Make Analogy Explicit and Association Implicit

Analogies in a literary work should be conveyed clearly, and associations, subtly. This is an important proposition in ancient Chinese poetics. Examples of analogy and association were first found in the six basic elements of The Book of Songs.“Analogy” means comparing one thing to another, with the focus on the external similarities of things, in…

Determine the Proper Way for Expressing Human Feelings

This concept originated in The Book of Rites and Xunzi. Confucianism believes that human feelings need to be properly expressed. However, there are significant differences in the degree of human feelings. Rules should be established to govern the expression of human feelings based on a full understanding of their differences; and the rules for expre…

Teach by Example

This means teaching by one’s deeds as opposed to explaining in words. Originally it referred to a ruler who should not just issue orders and tell people what to do. Rather, he should set an example to his subjects with his own actions as a model of virtue, thereby achieving the goal of good order in society. This has something in common with the pr…

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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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