On Dong Zhongshu's Theory Of Human Nature

The theory of human nature is one of the focuses discussed by ancient Chinese philosophers.Different philosophers had different views on human nature,but they all attributed human nature to the heaven.The thinkers before Dong Zhongshu did so,but they did not explain how human nature originated from the heaven.To Dong Zhongshu,in order to adapt to the development of the times,he absorbed the essence of the thoughts of his predecessors,added his creation,and discussed human nature with the two Qi of Yin and Yang.This method of discussing human nature was a very novel work at that time.He thinks that human nature is the essence of human beings.In the essence of human beings,the Xing comes from the Yang of the heaven and the Qing come from the Yin of the heaven.There are Yin and Yang in the heaven,and the corresponding people also have Xing and Qing.The Xing has the potential to be good,and the Qing has the potential to be evil.The way of heaven emphasizes the Yang and suppresses the Yin.Humanity should also follow it.Therefore,we should take a moderate attitude towards the Qing so that they do not affect the appearance of the Xing.But people are not aware of their nature,and they can't achieve the good in nature only by themselves.So the emperor is sent by the heaven to educate people to help them achieve their nature.Different people have different natures,so their good and evil behaviors are different after being educated.Therefore,in reality,there are saints,gentlemen,good people and upright people;there are saints,middle people and Dou Shao.