What do the "theory of destiny" and "theory of knowledge" in Neo-Confucianism mean?

Destiny theory is a kind of ideological concept with idealistic tendency and religious color, which contains the earliest environmental view of human beings, and came into being and prevailed in ancient society. It believes that natural changes, social operation and human destiny are dominated by some supernatural force, and people must and can only submit to it.

It is idealistic and religious. In fact, fate is unpredictable, and there are variables at any time. Man's fate is in his own hands. Only by striving for progress and correctly judging the choice of life can we grasp our destiny. If there is a day, it is only an entity representing nature (Tao), and different tests are carried out according to nature (Tao) and different people's lives.

The theory of knowing by birth refers to the intellectuality and talent of knowing by birth and instinct. It refers to acquiring knowledge through the experience of life.

Extended data

There are four grades according to talent and learning attitude. Inherent knowledge is the best way to seek knowledge. Because of their curiosity and interest, they instinctively acquire knowledge through practice in life experience. Those who learn and know are generally diligent and eager to learn. Although there is nothing special about their talent, they can still become useful talents as long as they study theoretical knowledge hard. This is a second-class person.

People who know what they are trapped in, when they encounter difficulties in life or work, are all people who study hard and study hard to solve difficult problems. According to Confucius, such people belong to the third grade.

Finally, there is another kind of person who is too sleepy to learn. Obviously, I feel very difficult in my life and work, but I still don't want to spend my time and energy on my study. But by playing cards and drinking. According to Confucius, such people belong to the lowest hopeless people.

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