Regarding the theories and practical applications of the Chinese Confucian classics “The Great Learning” and “The Doctrine of the Mean” in modern times, the following provides a detailed explanation:
1、 The Theory and Modern Application of ‘University’
Theoretical Overview
The Great Learning “is one of the Confucian classics, emphasizing the ideological system of self-cultivation, family harmony, governance, and peace of the world. It proposes the “Three Principles” (Mingmingde, approachable, and striving for the highest good) and the “Eight Articles” (investigating things, acquiring knowledge, sincerity, upright heart, self-cultivation, family harmony, governing the country, and pacifying the world) as the fundamental ways to achieve one’s life ideals and govern the country.
Modern applications
Personal Growth and Self Management
The concept of “self-cultivation” in “University” encourages individuals to improve their moral character and abilities through continuous learning, reflection, and cultivation. In modern society, this helps cultivate talents who are self disciplined, confident, and responsible, laying a solid foundation for career development and social contribution.
Enterprise Management and Leadership
The concept of “family unity” is reflected in enterprise management as team building and shaping of organizational culture. Leaders should manage businesses like managing a family, emphasizing team cohesion, employee care, and corporate culture building to create a harmonious and efficient working environment.
Social Governance and Public Services
The concepts of “governing the country” and “pacifying the world” can be applied to social governance and public services in modern society. The government and social organizations should strive to maintain social stability, fairness, justice, and public interests, and achieve social harmony and progress through effective policies and services.
2、 The Theory and Modern Application of the Doctrine of the Mean
Theoretical Overview
The Doctrine of the Mean is one of the Confucian classics, which emphasizes the “golden mean”, that is, the principle of impartiality and compromise. It proposes “sincerity” as the highest realm of life and advocates achieving inner peace and harmony through cultivation.
Modern applications
Interpersonal relationships and communication
The ‘Doctrine of the Mean’ in ‘The Doctrine of the Mean’ helps to handle complex interpersonal relationships. In modern society, people face diverse values and conflicting interests. By applying the doctrine of the mean, it is possible to balance the interests of all parties and achieve harmonious coexistence.
Emotional Management and Stress Management
The Doctrine of the Mean advocates inner peace and harmony, which helps modern people cope with stress and emotional issues. By cultivating one’s inner self and adjusting one’s mindset, one can maintain calmness and rationality, and effectively cope with challenges and difficulties in life.
Decision making and Leadership
In terms of leadership and decision-making, The Doctrine of the Mean emphasizes compromise and comprehensive consideration. Leaders should consider the interests and needs of all parties when making decisions, avoid extremism and one sidedness, in order to achieve the optimal solution.
Cultural Inheritance and Innovation
As one of the Confucian classics, the Doctrine of the Mean carries the essence of excellent traditional Chinese culture. In modern society, we should innovate and develop based on the inheritance of Confucianism and the needs of the times, in order to promote the prosperity and progress of Chinese culture.
The two Confucian classics, “The Great Learning” and “The Doctrine of the Mean,” have extensive practical value in modern society. They not only contribute to personal growth, business management, and social governance, but also provide valuable intellectual resources for cultural inheritance and innovation.