Harmony between Humanity and Nature

This notion of harmony between man and nature first appeared explicitly in Rectifying the Ignorant, Truth and Enlightenment (Zheng Meng) by Zhang Zai (1020-1077) of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). However, the idea existed for a long time previously as a world outlook and a way of thinking and can be traced back to The Book of Changes (Yi Jing). An integral facet of the Chinese worldview, it shines light on people's basic understanding of the cosmos and their relationship with it. The idea stresses global unity, that human beings, alongside other living creatures, coexist with nature and constitute the cosmos, the biggest shared community of life. At the same time, it also recognizes the uniqueness of human beings for their ability to understand and exploit the laws of the universe. Thus, humans should follow the Way of Heaven, treat all in nature with benevolence, and recognize them as part of a shared community of life. This is the path to realization of harmonious unity of heaven, earth, and human beings.

This idea also reflects the lofty ideals and wisdom of the Chinese nation. It demands a review of anthropocentrism in modern time, changes to the development model that over-exploits and damages nature, and reverence for nature. It frames the human relationship with nature from a healthier perspective which promotes more efficient usage of natural resources. Humans must fulfil obligations to nature and actively seek harmonious coexistence with it according to the philosophy to achieve sustainable development in the human society.

天人合一

天人合一作為一個完整的詞組最早出現在北宋張載（1020—1077）的《正蒙·誠明篇》中，但作為一種世界觀和思維方式早已存在，其源頭可以追溯到《周易》。天人合一是中華文明的宇宙觀的重要內容，集中體現了對整個宇宙以及人與宇宙萬物關系的根本看法。這一理念一方面強調整個世界的有機關聯，認為人類與鳥獸、草木、山水都是宇宙的一部分，萬物共生共存，共同構成宇宙這個最大的生命共同體；另一方面強調人在宇宙萬物中具有特殊性，即人可以了解并利用宇宙規律，應該主動順應和效法“天道”的生生不息，以仁愛之心對待天地萬物，將天地萬物視為同自己緊密相連的生命共同體，實現天、地、人的協調統一。

天人合一體現了中華民族的崇高追求和生態智慧。這一理念啟示我們，應重新審視近代以來人類中心主義的自然觀，改變對自然過度索取、破壞的發展模式，正確看待人與自然的關系，心存敬畏，取用有度，承擔人類自身對自然萬物的責任和義務，推動實現人與自然和諧共生、人類社會永續發展。