Analysis of the similarities and differences between Neo-Confucianism and Xinxue in traditional Confucianism

1. Similarities: (1) Same content: both are manifestations of Confucianism, both inherit Confucius and Mencius’ thoughts of “benevolence” and “propriety”, and both believe that the origin of the world is “reason”.

(2) The essence of the ideology is to use Confucian ethics to restrain society, maintain autocratic rule, and curb people's natural desires.

(3) The influence is the same: both help rulers maintain autocratic rule, and both suppress and stifle people’s natural desires; Neo-Confucianism attaches great importance to the power of subjective will, emphasizes people’s social responsibilities and historical missions, and plays a positive role in shaping the character of the Chinese nation.

Influence.

2. Differences: (1) The specific understanding of the origin of the world is different: Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism believes that the origin of the world is external "reason", which is objective idealism; Lu-Wang Neo-Confucianism believes that the origin of the world is the internal "mind"

", which believes that the original mind is "reason", which is subjective idealism Neo-Confucianism.

(2) There are different ways to grasp "reason": Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism advocates using the method of "investigating things to gain knowledge" to understand and grasp "reason"; Lu-Wang Xinxue proposes that seeking "reason" means to conduct inner reflection, strive to strengthen moral cultivation, and overcome

If you regain your conscience, you can become a sage.