Tradition In Heroes Of Heaven

Upon reviewing the film series of the “Mandate of Heaven” by Michael Wood and reading the views of Will Durant in his book Heroes of History, I am rather indifferent to either opinion as a whole. Although I do agree on certain things more than the other, overall I align with Durant’s view. The way Durant approached his views on Chinese traditions corresponds to the seeking of knowledge as the ultimate way to better oneself and to advance their society forward for a “better life.”

In the film, Wood repeatedly uses examples of the Chinese tradition in harmony. Although he does not completely disconnect knowledge from harmony, he implies that becoming more knowledgeable will lead to harmony. He says that the later Chinese believed that there needs to be a harmony of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. When any of these thoughts are removed, the government will cease to function with balance. He also stated that the Chinese have found it strange to follow strictly theological thoughts and faiths that corresponded to Western ideology for the pursuit of harmony and enlightenment. He practically stated that harmony is the primary goal of the people throughout most of Chinese history. He however failed to demonstrate how this harmony is ultimately reached through any of the school of thoughts in the tradition. Durant better explained that having more wisdom is key to elevating oneself and being more at harmony.

He refers to two paragraphs of the text of The Great Learning in Confucianism where “The ancients who wished to illustrate the highest virtue throughout the empire first ordered well their own states,” that in order for tranquility and harmony to be reached, one must educate themselves first to rectify the whole society. This then provides a ladder or goal for people to pursue to live