程朱理学:“理在万物,修身要循理、抑欲、从礼。”
陆王心学:“理在我心,存天理即是唤醒良知。”
程朱理学的解释:
一、什么是“程朱理学”?
“程朱理学”是宋代儒学发展的重要流派,是北宋程颢、程颐兄弟与南宋朱熹为代表的一套以“理”为核心的思想体系,因此得名“程朱理学”。
它是宋明理学(Neo-Confucianism)的主流,是对原始儒学(如孔子、孟子)的系统化、哲学化和道德化的再构建。
二、核心思想
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“理”是宇宙万物的本原
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“存天理,灭人欲”(程颐)
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“格物致知”(朱熹)
三、对社会的影响
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政治层面:
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成为官方正统思想,影响深远。
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明清两代以朱熹的学说作为科举制度的理论基础。
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道德层面:
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负面影响:
四、总结
程朱理学本意是重建儒学的道德力量,但它在历史发展中逐渐演化为教条化的正统学说。
它构建了中华文明长期的伦理结构,也成为后人批判“儒教僵化”、“压抑人性”的主要源头之一。
是否需要我再对比一下陆王心学(王阳明)与程朱理学的异同?
The sentence “真正谈得上是祸害的是程朱理学之后。早期的儒家是入世进取的,没有想象中的那么糟糕。” can be translated and unpacked as follows:
Translation:
"What truly can be considered harmful is what came after the Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism. Early Confucianism was worldly and proactive—it wasn't as bad as some imagine."
Explanation in Context:
This viewpoint draws a distinction between early Confucianism (e.g., Confucius and Mencius) and the later Neo-Confucianism systematized by Cheng Yi, Cheng Hao, and Zhu Xi during the Song dynasty.
1. Early Confucianism ("入世进取" - worldly and proactive):
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"入世" means engaging with the real world rather than retreating into metaphysical ideals.
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"进取" implies striving for improvement, taking initiative, and advocating for practical reform.
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Think of Confucius (Kongzi) and Mencius (Mengzi) promoting benevolent governance, moral cultivation, and responsive rulership.
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They acknowledged the flaws of reality and aimed to work within it to uplift society.
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It was dynamic, dialogical, and not yet rigidified.
2. Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism ("程朱理学"):
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Founded by Cheng Yi, Cheng Hao, and formalized by Zhu Xi.
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Strong emphasis on "理" (principle) over "气" (vital force)—leading to a kind of metaphysical idealism.
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It became the state orthodoxy starting in the Song and continuing through Yuan, Ming, and Qing.
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Focused on hierarchical order, moral rigidity, and ritual formalism.
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It often suppressed creativity, emotional expression, and individual judgment, resulting in a dogmatic moral universe.
Author’s Implication:
The writer is arguing that Confucianism per se was not the problem. It only became stifling after Neo-Confucianism:
Thus, we shouldn't blame Confucius or early Confucian values outright, but rather critically examine the institutionalization and mutation of those ideas in later history.
sorted and structured summary of the discussion centered around the quote “天不生仲尼,万古如长夜” ("If Heaven had not given birth to Confucius, the world would remain in eternal darkness") and its relation to education, Confucianism, and contemporary Chinese society:
???? Central Viewpoint:
"孔子最伟大的成就,就是教育。教育就是启蒙,就是改造老百姓的思想。目前中国,仍须教育。"
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Core belief: Confucius's legacy lies in education as enlightenment, a tool for transforming minds.
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Present relevance: China still needs education, but what kind?
???? Supportive Voices (Pro-Confucianism or nuanced appreciation):
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方外居士:
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"有教无类易,因材施教难。"
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"一个指导了一个民族两千多年的价值体系,你想否定它?这不就是文化革命吗?"
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Adds: Early Confucianism was pragmatic, not dogmatic—decline began with later neo-Confucians (like Zhu Xi).
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蒋闻铭:
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"古人说‘天不生仲尼,万古如长夜’,是崇拜他系统的仁义礼智信社会人文规范。"
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Also notes: While the CCP values education, its use of xenophobic nationalism in curricula may be dangerous.
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有言:
???? Critical Voices (Against Confucianism):
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哪一枝杏花:
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"对中华文明,他无疑是重要的。但是重要的,未必是好的。"
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"儒教就是,永远在孜孜不倦教你如何治国治民,然后这个国家只能不停地亡国。"
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"如果一定要亡国,能不能用10种不同的方式倒下?怎么每一次的失败都一样?"
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衡山老道:
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小二哥李白:
???? Contextual or Reflective Comments:
Takeaway:
The phrase “天不生仲尼,万古如长夜” is revered by some as praising Confucius’s civilizing influence via systematic ethics and education. Yet others challenge this legacy—arguing that it gave rise to rigid hierarchies, conformity, and political failure over centuries.
The deeper tension in this thread is not just about Confucius, but about what kind of education modern China needs:
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Enlightenment or indoctrination?
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Critical thinking or obedience?
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Cultural inheritance or creative transformation?