The Research On Theory Of Human Nature Of Taoist Of Pre-Qin

In Taoist philosophy, Tao is the total rule and the principles, methods deriving the total rule. The essential character of Tao is having not overmuch desires. Qi is a tiny material grain and eternal exists. Tao controls Qi to create all. So the Taoist theory of creation is the dualism of Tao and Qi, and the theory of creation of Tai-yi-sheng-shui is the other form of the dualism of Tao and Qi, and is an explain of Lao zi's dualism of Tao and Object. In the process of creating human, Tao and Qi endow human the goodness of nature. The instinctive desire of human originates Qi. Tao could bring up the human nature. In Taoist viewing, the natural instinct and goodness of human nature are changeless, the sage can keep the good nature from beginning to end.However, Tao always make all to develop inversely. The development of human nature is like that."Inverse is the movement of Tao"is the metaphysical reason of alienation of human nature, and the impact of Yin and Yang, the tow kind of Qi, explains the alienation of human nature too. From social angle, the excessive political actions are the main reason of alienation of human nature. The policies of bestowing favors and advocating sage stimulate people's desires of material gain and make people to struggle for fame and gain, and then human nature is alienated. Taoist still think the kindheartedness and justice which are advocated by the worldly sage are utilitarian and they could disturb people's tranquil nature. In addition, the hostile nature environment, the wicked social customs, the occupation and the usage of technology are the important reasons of alienation of human nature. From personal angle, the likes and dislikes are the main reasons of alienation of human nature. They originate from the desire of existence, which not only alienate oneself, but also corrupt others.After alienation of human nature, Taoist advocate"Return"."Inverse is the movement of Tao", the theory of"Wuhua"are the metaphysical reason of return of human nature. From personal angle, just only"Wuqing"can return human nature. Wuqing does not mean without any emotions, but means to wipe off the worldly likes and dislikes, such as like fame and grain, dislike death but like existence. To return human nature by Wuqing includes three hierarchies: wiping off the worldly emotions by"Qiwu"; forgetting the worldly emotions by"Zuowang"; complying with nature by"Xinzhai". The three hierarchies show the vista of human nature which is enhancing step by step: when wiping off the worldly emotions by"Qiwu"; there are still things in mind; when forgetting the worldly emotions by"Zuowang", it means forgetting things and oneself, forgetting all; but the highest vista of human nature is absolutely tranquil in mind, in which one not only complies with one self's tranquil nature, but also complies with the nature of all things. From social angle, carrying out the"Wuwei"politics is the main method to return the human nature of all human."Wuwei"means tranquil, having not overmuch desires, doing by rules and complying with things."Wuwei"politics includes practical and ideal measures. From the practical measures, Taoist think, although the policies which advocate kindheartedness and justice and sage could bring corrupt practices when use them to reform human nature, to the reality, the ruler has to use the policies as the tools of governing country. But Taoist reformed the tools and think just only mastering the tools can use them better. However the Taoist politics ideas is not just use the tools better, their ideal political measures are these: the rulers are tranquil and have not overmuch desires, do not disturb people's life, give people freedom, then people's nature became pure.From the above, the change of human nature has experienced the process: perfect nature—alienating nature—perfect nature. In the process, Tao and Qi play a part from beginning to end. Taoist theory of human nature influenced deeply Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism, and has an important inspiring significance to the social reality.