Harmony between humanity and nature
This term represents a world outlook and a way of thinking which holds that heaven, earth and humanity are interconnected.
Mencius believed that through mental reflection, one could gain understanding of human nature and heaven, as mind, human nature and heaven are one.
Lao Zi maintained that "Man patterns himself on the operation of earth; earth patterns itself on the operation of heaven; heaven patterns itself on the operation of the Way; the Way follows nature."
They both emphasized the unity between human society and the natural world: the integration and inherent relationship between heaven, earth and humanity, the fundamental significance of nature to humanity or human affairs, and the human endeavor to pursue life, order and values through interaction with nature.
The idea of unity of humanity and heaven is an important component of the Chinese culture on harmony, and has unique significance in traditional Chinese culture.
Xi Jinping has talked about the Chinese pursuit of harmony between humanity and nature and China's philosophy on the eco-environment. In his speech at the UN Office at Geneva in January 2017, he said: Humanity coexists with nature, which means that any harm to nature will eventually come back to haunt us. We must maintain harmony between humanity and nature and pursue sustainable development.
天人合一
“天人合一”是一种认为天地人相通的世界观和思维方式。孟子认为，通过心得反思可以知性、知天，心、性和天之间是统一的；老子主张，“人法地，地法天，天法道，道法自然”。他们都强调人类社会与自然世界之间的协调统一关系，即天地和人之间的整体性和内在联系，突出了天对于人的根本意义，表现了人在与天的联系中寻求生命、秩序与价值基础的努力。“天人合一”理念作为中国“和”文化思想的重要组成部分，在中华优秀传统文化中具有独特的内涵与意义。
中共十八大以来，习近平多次谈及中华民族“天人合一”的崇高追求和生态智慧。2017年1月，习近平在联合国日内瓦总部的演讲中指出，人与自然共生共存，伤害自然最终将伤及人类。我们应该遵循天人合一、道法自然的理念，寻求永续发展之路。