Wisdom of the Doctrine of the Mean -- The Ultimate Realm of Social Conduct

Author: Zisi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: The unbiased is called the center, the unchanging is called the ordinary. When unfolded, it spans the entire universe; when rolled up, it retreats into the profound. Its meaning is endless. It is all practical learning. A good reader, through contemplation and reflection, gains insights that can be used throughout life, yet there is always more to discover. The Doctrine of the Mean is one of the important philosophical classics of Confucianism in China, an ancient text rich in profound philosophy, commonly believed to have been written by Zisi, the grandson of Confucius. Without reading The Doctrine of the Mean, one cannot understand the principles of the world; without studying it, one cannot grasp the wisdom of how to live; without applying it, one cannot achieve excellence in life. This book, The Wisdom of the Doctrine of the Mean, is a simple statement of the author's understanding of The Doctrine of the Mean.
The Doctrine of the Mean is one of the important philosophical classics of Confucianism in China, an ancient text rich in profound philosophy, commonly believed to have been written by Zisi, the grandson of Confucius. It was originally one of the chapters in the Book of Rites. During the Song Dynasty, Zhu Xi separated The Doctrine of the Mean from the 49 chapters of the Book of Rites and combined it with The Great Learning, The Analects, and Mencius to form the "Four Books." Its content primarily elaborates on and integrates Confucius's idea of the "Doctrine of the Mean." "Mean" means impartiality, and "ordinary" means constant. The name The Doctrine of the Mean serves to inspire people to be impartial in thought and avoid extremes in action, neither falling short nor going overboard. It also reflects Confucian ethical and moral thoughts on self-cultivation, governance, and social conduct. At the same time, The Doctrine of the Mean encourages people to continuously practice moral self-cultivation with a "profound sincerity" to achieve the realm of self-perfection. This book, The Wisdom of the Doctrine of the Mean, is a simple statement of the author's understanding of The Doctrine of the Mean.