A Comparison Between Mencius And Zhuangzi About The Theory Of Heart And Nature

The theory of heart and nature is the philosophical theory that researches the human essence,nature and the realization of the value of life.In the Warring States Period,Mencius and Zhuangzi who were thinkers both paid close attention on heart and nature.If we compare the the theories of heart and nature of the two thinkers,it will contribute further study on their ideologies.The fundamental differences of their theories of heart and nature are distinct.Mencius insisted human being should be moral,but Zhuangzi believed that human being should be natural.There are some differences between the approaches of self-cultivation of Mencius and Zhuangzi.Mencius'attitude to desire,life and death is different from Zhuangzi'.Their representatives of perfect personality of Mencius and Zhuangzi also have different character.The thesis have four chapters.The first chapter expounds the germination of the theory of heart and nature in Zhou Dynasty.As the progress of social practice of the human race,the meanings of heart and nature enrich increasingly and make contact with morality gradually."Heart"and"nature"subsequently become important philosophical categories.Some theories of heart and nature which be found in Laozi,The Analects of Confucius and the bamboo-books Nature Come from Fate,have influence on the theories of heart and nature of Mencius and Zhuangzi.Additionally, there are other theories of heart and nature in the period.The second chapter expounds constructions of the theories of heart and nature of Mencius and Zhuangzi.Mencius considered that everyone have a moral heart and insisted that human being should be moral.Zhuangzi thought that everyone should keep the heart unoccupied and prevent something from interfering.He believed that human being should be natural.The third chapter expounds self-cultivation.Mencius considered that everyone should check oneself and adopt moral heart-searching. Zhuangzi insisted that everyone should"empty"heart by forgeting everything and maintain nature.Mencius'attitude to desire,life and death is different from Zhuangzi'.The fourth chapter expounds life ideal."sage",who is the representative of perfect personality of Mencius,had the highest morality."Natural-person",who is the representative of perfect personality of Zhuangzi,had break away from life dilemma and acquire his freedom. Mencius advocated benevolent political system,but Zhuangzi was indifferent to politics.