Ep.9 // Hwa Yeong Wang
Are humans good? To Mencius, a Chinese philosopher, we are born with a sprout of goodness. That sprout needs careful attention in order to help cultivate and grow. But what about Confucius himself? What about the Daoists? These different perspectives give some interesting insight into how we might conduct our lives
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Hwa Yeong Wang, or just Wang as you'll hear me call her is a Korean Confucian Philosopher so today's episode is a little more on the academic side of things than other interviews. We're discussing a question whose answer has major implications for how we live our lives and organize our societies: Are humans, fundamentally, good? Before we begin, I just wanted to say that there are a few footnotes to the episode which I will share after the conversation, so if you'd like to get a little extra context please listen all the way through to the end.
Wang helps me to lay bare my still very western approach to understanding ideas. I came away from this conversation humbled by the caution and nuance Wang brought about the differences and similarities between Confucians and Daoists. Perhaps we would do well to remember that the critiques our philosophical opponents have may indeed be warranted. In a world where we are quick to jump separate into our tribes, it is the connections with people outside our immediate circle that may be the most enriching.
As you listen today, I want you to consider the many different ways you relate to the people around you... Think of the love and gratitude that you feel and express toward those closest to you, and ask yourself: Are there little things I can do to extend those sentiments and actions beyond my close bonds toward the acquaintances and strangers I may meet on the street?
