Harmony without uniformity
This term is from The Analects of Confucius. A man of honor seeks harmony without monotony of views. Forging identity means setting aside the differences among things, while seeking harmony means recognizing such differences.
The Chinese culture advocates harmonious coexistence of the whole, on the basis of respecting differences and diversity. Differences supplement each other to make up a harmonious whole full of vigor and creativity.
In his speech at the General Debate of the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters in 2015 and the UN Office at Geneva in January 2017, Xi Jinping analyzed the trends of human development, summarized China's experience and cultural history, and emphasized the concept of "harmony without uniformity." This is an important symbol of traditional Chinese culture. It embodies the profound philosophical thinking and wisdom and reflects the pursuit and character of the Chinese nation. It also provides theoretical and value support for building a global community of shared future in the new era.
和而不同
“和而不同”出自《论语》,意指君子能够与他人和谐相处,却不盲从附和。 “同”与“和”是对待社会群体的两种态度。“同”指对事物差异性的抹杀,“和”则意味着对事物差异性的认同。中华文化主张在尊重事物差异性和多样性的基础上,实现整体的和谐共存,认为不同的事物只有彼此间相互辅助、补充,才能组成一个充满生机、富于创造性的和谐整体。
习近平在2015年第七十届联合国大会一般性辩论时的讲话以及在2017年联合国日内瓦总部的演讲中,分别基于人类历史发展潮流大势,总结了中国自身发展的历史经验和文化传承,强调了“和而不同”的理念。“和而不同”理念作为中华优秀传统文化的一个重要标识,富有极其深刻的哲学思辨与中国智慧,体现了中华民族的价值追求与民族性格,是新时代推动构建人类命运共同体的重要思想基础与价值支撑。