Summary
The Collected Works of Wang Yangming presents a philosophy centered on the unity of knowledge and action, advocating for the innate moral knowledge present in every individual. This innate moral knowledge, termed "innate knowing" (liangzhi), is not something to be acquired through external study but is already present within us, guiding our moral decisions and actions. By actively applying and acting upon this innate knowing, individuals can achieve moral self-cultivation and attain sagehood, transforming both themselves and society.
The works emphasize that true understanding arises not from abstract theorizing but from practical engagement with the world. This active manifestation of innate knowing is the direct path to moral perfection. Readers learn to trust their inner moral compass and to see the moral dimension in all their activities, fostering a dynamic and integrated approach to personal and ethical development.
Key concepts
- Innate Knowing (liangzhi) — The innate moral knowledge present within every individual, which guides ethical decision-making.
- Unity of Knowledge and Action (zhixing heyi) — The philosophical principle that true knowledge is inseparable from putting it into practice.
- Moral Self-Cultivation — The process of developing one's moral character through the application of innate knowing.
From the book
Title: 王文成公全書, or, 王陽明先生全集 by Shouren Wang, Yangming Wang, Wencheng Wang