王陽明

2 books

About the Author

Wang Yangming (1472–1529), a towering figure in Chinese philosophy and a key architect of Neo-Confucianism, was a scholar-official, military strategist, and educator whose ideas profoundly shaped East Asian thought. Born in Zhejiang Province, he rose through the imperial examination system to serve in various high-ranking positions, including as a regional commander where he quelled rebellions with innovative tactics. Wang's philosophy, known as the School of Mind, emphasized innate knowledge and the unity of knowledge and action, challenging earlier Confucian doctrines by asserting that moral principles reside within the heart-mind rather than external sources. Exiled and persecuted for his unorthodox views, he continued teaching and writing, influencing generations of thinkers. His seminal work, 《大學》問 (Traditional Chinese Edition), offers profound inquiries into The Great Learning, exploring self-cultivation and ethical governance as pathways to sagehood. Wang's legacy endures as a beacon of intellectual independence and practical wisdom.

Common genres

Chinese Classics Confucian Classics Philosophy Religion self-improvement

Writing style

philosophical introspective didactic