Wisdom from the past for today

The Core of Xinxue Wisdom: The Key to Unlocking the Dilemma of Modernity

1. The Practical Philosophy of "Unification of Knowledge and Action"

Essential Content: Wang Yangming emphasized that "knowledge is the beginning of action, and action is the completion of knowledge." Knowledge and action are two sides of the same coin. True knowledge must be put into practice; failure to do so is ignorance.

Modern Symptoms: The "disconnection between knowledge and action" is prevalent in contemporary society, as exemplified by the poor implementation of climate agreements, the lagging of technological ethics behind innovation, and the emphasis on knowledge over practice in education.

At the individual level: Replace wishful thinking with practical application. For example, break down career goals into specific action steps and revise your understanding through feedback.

At the organizational level: Companies need to embed values (such as ESG concepts) into business processes to avoid "slogan ethics." For example, in China's poverty alleviation efforts, village cadres have translated their "people-oriented" approach into precise action, achieving a mutually reinforcing relationship between knowledge and action.

2. The Value Anchor of "Conscience"

The Foundation of Human Nature: Conscience is the inherent moral essence of every human being, capable of distinguishing good from evil. Wang Yangming said, "Your little bit of conscience is your own personal code."

Modern Challenges: Technological alienation (such as AI privacy infringement) and the spread of value nihilism urgently require an ethical benchmark.

Technology Ethics: The "Artificial Intelligence Act" emphasizes "people-centeredness," echoing the principle of "nothing outside the mind"—technology should serve the human heart, not alienate it.

Fighting Corruption: Officials must eliminate selfish desires through self-examination and self-control, transforming awareness of integrity into institutional constraints and public oversight.

Chuanxilu is a treasure trove of ideas, encompassing other important concepts of Yangming, such as "determination," "sincerity," "cultivation and self-examination," and "the unity of all things." An older generation once said that Chuanxilu is like a medical manual, documenting the diagnosis and treatment plans of Yangming, a miracle doctor, and his patients.

Of course, the "disease" mentioned here doesn't refer to physical illness, but rather to our moral and psychological maladies. In "Chuanxilu," Yangming, a brilliant physician, diagnoses a wide range of ailments and prescribes corresponding remedies. Many of these diagnoses, penetrating the very essence of the contemporary human mind, offer valuable insights for us today, helping us to better navigate life. This is perhaps the reason for the enduring appeal of "Chuanxilu" since its inception.