Chung-ying Cheng. [File photo]

-- By Chung-ying Cheng

Every nation has its historical origin and its cultural heritage which define its national character. It is on the basis of these two resources a nation can work out its aspiration toward a state of development which preserves its own identity and yet enriches its people.

This is not to say that a nation is determined by its own history or culture but that its history and culture are the starting point for its development which normally will preserve its best part and rescind its worst part. In this light I shall describe how Chinese comes to have its own cultural philosophy by reflecting on the major traditions of Confucianism, Daoism, Moism and Legalism, being all related to their origins in the Zhou Yi. I shall then describe how a process of history and philosophy has led to China’s national crisis and then China’s national rebirth. Its philosophy has overcome its history and produces a new form of philosophy based on its original source to do with Chinese vision of striving toward a goal of grand unity of world in peace and love. This means benefits for all. I shall consequently articulated two basic principles of the Chinese philosophical political vision: 1) All nations in the world are to be equally respected; 2) Different forms of political organization could best benefit different peoples in different parts of the world.

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