Wang Yangming (1472-1529) was a famous thinker, politician, and military strategist of the Ming Dynasty in China, and his ideas had a profound impact on Chinese history. Wang Yangming put forward many important philosophical ideas and principles for doing things, the most famous of which are his three main principles: Studying Things, Conscience, and Sincerity. These three principles are considered to be the core of Wang Yangming's philosophy, and they are also important guidelines for his governance of the country and his conduct in the world. The following is a detailed discussion of Wang's three main principles, as well as their significance and application.
1. Gewu
"Gewu" is one of the first principles of Wang Yangming's philosophy, which means "to understand all things". Wang Yangming believes that people should be based on all things, and understand themselves and the world through observation and thinking about things. This concept of "Gewu" emphasizes the knowledge and understanding of the objective world, and believes that through in-depth study and experience, the essence and laws of the world can be discovered, so as to guide individual behavior and decision-making.
In dealing with things, "Gewu" means to think rationally on the basis of objective facts, and not to be swayed by subjective biases. Only by understanding the nature of things and the reasons behind them can we make informed decisions and actions. Therefore, Wang Yangming advocates that when dealing with affairs, we should be good at observation and analysis, and constantly learn and accumulate experience to improve our cognitive level and wisdom.
2. To the conscience
"To conscience" is one of the core concepts of Wang Yangming's philosophy, which means "the pursuit of conscience". Wang Yangming believes that there is a natural conscience in the heart of people, which is the innate instinct and intuition of people, which can guide people to make good and honest choices. To conscience is to guide the process of personal pursuit of inner conscience, that is, through continuous self-cultivation, to unite oneself with conscience, and to achieve the unity of heart and behavior.
In dealing with things, "to the conscience" means to listen to the inner voice, follow the guidance of conscience, and make ethical and conscientious choices. Wang Yangming believes that only by keeping in line with conscience can we achieve a place where we belong and stop our actions, and not be shaken by external temptations and interests. Therefore, in the face of various choices and difficulties, Wang Yangming advocates in-depth reflection and examination of one's own heart, clarity of one's own values and beliefs, and unswervingly practice the way of conscience.
3. Sincerity
"Sincerity" is another important principle of Wang Yangming's philosophy, which means "sincere heart". Wang Yangming believes that sincerity is the foundation for building trust and friendship between people, and it is also the key to achieving the unity of inner and outer behavior. Sincerity is not only reflected in words and deeds, but also in the attitude towards others and things, which is a sincere, honest and trustworthy quality.
In dealing with things, "sincerity" means to treat others and things sincerely, without hypocrisy, deception, or self-interest. Wang Yangming believes that only by treating others with sincerity can we win the respect and trust of others and establish good interpersonal relationships. In addition, sincerity is also the key to self-cultivation and growth, only by treating oneself and others sincerely, can we constantly reflect and improve, and improve one's own character and quality.
conclusion
Wang Yangming's three main principles of doing things, conscience, and sincerity constitute his unique philosophical system and wisdom in life. These three principles are not only the guidance of Wang Yangming's personal self-cultivation, but also an important criterion for his governance of the country and the people. Through the study of things, conscience, and sincerity, Wang Yangming advocates that people should be based on objective facts, pursue the truth, goodness and beauty in their hearts, and treat themselves and others sincerely, so as to realize the unity of their hearts and behaviors and achieve a better life.