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.

Durant concluded that the thoughts of Confucianism were summarized the basic philosophy that in order to restore morality and social order is the be educated.

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

harmoniously.

In addition, Durant’s view of Taoism also reinforces the seeking of knowledge to better understand harmony in nature from his inference on the Old Master. He states that nature is rather a natural activity that follow a rational law that everything must conform to. In order for civilization to achieve wisdom and peace, mankind must be in conduct to the way of nature. It’s best not to interfere or attempt to reform with the natural course of events even if there is disorder to maintain harmony. This is also known as Quiescence, which was never mentioned in the film series.

As an Asian American myself, I have exposed myself to the many different traditions and practices that mostly relate to the message of being knowledgeable on the concept of practicing quiescence. The better reinforce the importance of quiescence for harmony, I will state one common conceptions by media bias and through personal collection of observed anecdotes that are prevalent in Chinese community. Chinese culture is often very passive to conflict or to even get into other people’s business, where many individuals would rather let a bothering situation “slide by” than to hastefully take action or reform. It is easily seen in a historical context, where China passivity caused the nations to rarely want to interact with anyone outside of the land, neither desired to explore it. This easily reflects on the ideals of Taoism to remain passive. To be knowledgeable of this discipline and to practice it would be better to be harmonious with others which will ultimately benefit society.