Harmony between Humanity and Nature
This notion of harmony between man and nature first appeared explicitly in Rectifying the Ignorant, Truth and Enlightenment (Zheng Meng) by Zhang Zai (1020-1077) of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). However, the idea existed for a long time previously as a world outlook and a way of thinking and can be traced back to The Book of Changes (Yi Jing). An integral facet of the Chinese worldview, it shines light on people's basic understanding of the cosmos and their relationship with it. The idea stresses global unity, that human beings, alongside other living creatures, coexist with nature and constitute the cosmos, the biggest shared community of life. At the same time, it also recognizes the uniqueness of human beings for their ability to understand and exploit the laws of the universe. Thus, humans should follow the Way of Heaven, treat all in nature with benevolence, and recognize them as part of a shared community of life. This is the path to realization of harmonious unity of heaven, earth, and human beings.
This idea also reflects the lofty ideals and wisdom of the Chinese nation. It demands a review of anthropocentrism in modern time, changes to the development model that over-exploits and damages nature, and reverence for nature. It frames the human relationship with nature from a healthier perspective which promotes more efficient usage of natural resources. Humans must fulfil obligations to nature and actively seek harmonious coexistence with it according to the philosophy to achieve sustainable development in the human society.
天人合一
天人合一作为一个完整的词组最早出现在北宋张载（1020—1077）的《正蒙·诚明篇》中，但作为一种世界观和思维方式早已存在，其源头可以追溯到《周易》。天人合一是中华文明的宇宙观的重要内容，集中体现了对整个宇宙以及人与宇宙万物关系的根本看法。这一理念一方面强调整个世界的有机关联，认为人类与鸟兽、草木、山水都是宇宙的一部分，万物共生共存，共同构成宇宙这个最大的生命共同体；另一方面强调人在宇宙万物中具有特殊性，即人可以了解并利用宇宙规律，应该主动顺应和效法“天道”的生生不息，以仁爱之心对待天地万物，将天地万物视为同自己紧密相连的生命共同体，实现天、地、人的协调统一。
天人合一体现了中华民族的崇高追求和生态智慧。这一理念启示我们，应重新审视近代以来人类中心主义的自然观，改变对自然过度索取、破坏的发展模式，正确看待人与自然的关系，心存敬畏，取用有度，承担人类自身对自然万物的责任和义务，推动实现人与自然和谐共生、人类社会永续发展。
