How to understand the basic idea of "harmony between man and nature" in China cultural tradition

The concept of "harmony between man and nature" was first expounded by Zhuangzi, and then developed into a philosophical system of harmony between man and nature by Dong Zhongshu, a thinker and yin and yang scientist in Han Dynasty, and thus constructed the main body of China traditional culture.

Heaven is nature; People are people; Harmony means mutual understanding and friendship. Westerners always try to conquer and plunder nature with highly developed science and technology, while the sages of the East warned us that human beings are only a part of the universe, and man and nature are closely linked. The idea of "harmony between man and nature" is everywhere. Even in the unique tea culture in China, a tea lamp consisting of a cover, a bowl and a plate respectively represents the harmony and unity of heaven, people and the earth. Confucianism, represented by "ceremony", can be said to be an anthropology, and its main content is to talk about the way of being a man, including discussing human nature, the value of life and the principles of dealing with interpersonal relationships. Confucianism emphasizes family ties and puts forward "blood is thicker than water", "old people are old, young people are young, young people are young" and "sacrifice one's life for righteousness". For example, the reunion of people in China. Independence, courage to take risks, and harmony between man and nature are China's ancient political philosophy. Originated in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, elaborated by scholars such as Dong Zhongshu. It was summed up and clearly put forward by Neo-Confucianism in Song and Ming Dynasties. Its basic idea is that human social phenomena such as politics and ethics are the direct reflection of nature.

The concept of "harmony between man and nature" has influenced the traditional culture of China in many ways:

First of all, it led to the overall systematic and dialectical development of China's cultural thinking mode. Confucianism's charity to the masses, the benevolent policy of achieving great achievements, Taoism's tolerance of "everything is integrated with me" and Buddhism's sentient beings are all the crystallization of the concept of the unity of heaven, earth and man. Imitating the vigor of the sky and the virtue of the earth, it has created the dedication, sincerity and generosity of the Chinese nation.

Second, it has caused an idealistic tendency to pursue a harmonious society.

Thirdly, it creates a philosophy of life cultivation and promotes people to improve their personality and character in the process of self-cultivation.

The philosophy of harmony between man and nature has also had a negative impact on China culture and its development. The way of thinking overemphasizes the connection and unity of the whole and lacks the necessary analysis and demonstration, which leads us to fail to enter modern science through modern experiments and overemphasizes the harmony and unity of society, leading to the long-term stagnation of feudal society, the slow growth of capitalism and the lack of enterprising spirit for a long time.