Wang Yangming Quotes

Philosopher
China
1472

Wang Yangming (1472-1529) was a Chinese philosopher, military general, and statesman during the Ming Dynasty. He is best known for his Neo-Confucian philosophy, which emphasized the importance of self-reflection and moral cultivation. His most notable works include “Instructions for Practical Living” and “The Great Learning.” Wang also played a significant role in military campaigns against Mongol invaders and served as a high-ranking official in the Ming government. His teachings had a lasting impact on Chinese intellectual thought and continue to be studied and debated today.Read Less

Knowledge is the beginning of practice; doing is the completion of knowing. Feraz Zeid, January 13, 2024, Wang Yangming, Completion, Knowing, Practice, 0

- Wang Yangming

Philosopher

· China

Thought and learning are of small value unless translated into action. Feraz Zeid, January 13, 2024, Wang Yangming, Action, Values, 0

- Wang Yangming

Philosopher

· China

Perhaps immortality is a gift of heaven rather than the result of some human effort. Feraz Zeid, January 13, 2024, Wang Yangming, Afterlife, Effort, Heaven, 0

- Wang Yangming

Philosopher

· China

To know and not to act is not to know. Feraz Zeid, October 10, 2023, Wang Yangming, 0

- Wang Yangming

Philosopher

· China

Yin and Yang are one vital force — the primordial aura. Feraz Zeid, September 4, 2023, Wang Yangming, Force, 0

- Wang Yangming

Philosopher

· China

Force

Wang Yangming Career Highlights

Wang Yangming was a Chinese philosopher, military general, and government official during the Ming dynasty.
He rose to prominence as a scholar-official and was appointed as the governor of Jiangxi province.
Wang Yangming’s military achievements include successfully defending the Ming dynasty against the Mongol invasion and suppressing rebellions in the southern provinces.
He also served as the Minister of War and the Minister of Justice, and was highly respected for his administrative abilities.

Key Contributions by Wang Yangming

Wang Yangming is best known for his philosophy of “the unity of knowledge and action,” which emphasizes the importance of putting one’s knowledge into practice.
He believed that true knowledge can only be attained through self-reflection and introspection, rather than relying solely on external sources.
Wang Yangming’s teachings had a significant impact on Chinese intellectual thought and influenced many later philosophers, including the prominent thinker, Li Zhi.
He also made important contributions to military strategy, particularly in the areas of troop deployment and training.

What Sets Wang Yangming Apart

Wang Yangming’s philosophy was a departure from the dominant Neo-Confucianism of his time, which focused on the study of ancient texts and rituals.
He emphasized the importance of individual moral cultivation and believed that everyone has the innate ability to attain moral perfection.
Wang Yangming’s teachings were considered controversial and were met with resistance from traditional scholars, but they gained popularity among the common people.
He was also known for his integrity and incorruptibility, which earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and superiors.

Takeaways

Wang Yangming’s philosophy continues to be studied and debated in modern times, and his ideas have influenced various fields, including ethics, psychology, and education.
His emphasis on self-reflection and moral cultivation is still relevant today, and his teachings have been adapted and applied in various contexts.
Wang Yangming’s legacy as a philosopher, military strategist, and government official has left a lasting impact on Chinese history and culture.

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