Zhu Xi

Study the principle (li) of things to perfect oneself.

Neo-Confucianism1130 – 1200 ChinaNeo-ConfucianCommentator on the classicsMetaphysicsEducator

Inspirations

Confucius et Mencius the texts he comments on

Cheng Yi et Cheng Haohis masters at a distance: principle, nature, investigating things

Zhou Dunyithe Supreme Ultimate (taiji) and yin-yang

Zhang Zaiqi and the nature mixed with qi

Heirs

Lu Jiuyuanhis contemporary: "the mind is principle", no need for so much study

critic

Wang Yangmingprinciple is in the mind; his bamboos

critic

Dai Zhenprinciple is not separate from desires and qi

critic

Les concours impériauxhis commentaries become state orthodoxy (1313 – 1905)

how it is computed

Closest

John Leslie The fine-tuning of the universe is not a coincidence we can ignore: it calls for an explanation.

Chrysippe Everything happens by fate, but our acts depend on us as a cylinder rolls according to its shape.

Marcus Aurelius What is not up to you should not trouble you.

Mencius Human nature is good: everyone carries the seed of benevolence.

Furthest

Richard Rorty Talk of sensations might one day disappear, replaced by the language of neuroscience.

Richard Taylor Sisyphus would find meaning in his task if he were given the desire to roll his rock.