Culture is interwoven with human existence, the basis of which is the relationship between humans and nature, between people, and between oneself and others. The three fields are the ideological basis of a harmonious socialist society. In China it is impossible to ignore the inheritance of the harmonious notion that was such a big part of traditional Chinese culture.

To achieve harmony between man and nature, people must first understand it. The relationship between man and nature has evolved over time and has three distinct stages: once nature was worshipped, then it was conquered and now humans are trying to exist in harmony with it. By conquering much of nature, humans were able to facilitate rapid social change. However, a series of problems soon emerged; pollution, ecological imbalance, energy shortages and more. This forced humans to examine their attitude towards nature. Most Chinese thinkers advocated a concept of people and nature which views them as a whole. From ancient China comes a theory about harmony between humans and nature; it is the best of the Chinese studies on nature and humans as well as the quintessence of traditional Chinese culture. It stresses the harmonization of man and nature. People can change or improve nature but should also adjust themselves to nature; human beings should not yield to nature, nor should they destroy it. Humans are neither dominant nor subservient. Humans should be friendly with nature and work with it, not against it. Only in this way can harmony between man and nature be achieved.

For there to be harmony between people, humans must improve their understanding of one another. Traditionally in China, great importance was attached to friendly relations between people. It calls for people to be sincere, generous, caring, understanding and friendly, and to reserve differences while seeking a common ground. The purpose is to achieve harmony and congruence in human relationships. Equal importance is attached to diversity and balance. Different nations choose different methods for their development. But ultimately they belong to the one big family - humankind. Despite the totally different theories and religious beliefs, their general ideals are the same. Chinese culture advocates tolerance and generosity and aims to incorporate things of a diverse nature simultaneously.

To achieve harmony between oneself and others one must first find harmony between body and mind. Traditional Chinese culture stresses 'zhong', an important principle in Chinese ethics. 'Zhong' refers to the appropriate 'degree' for everything. If people exceed the maximum 'degree', they are acting excessively and improperly; if they fail to reach the 'degree', they are inferior. People should strive to find the appropriate 'degree' in all matters. Acting as a standard, 'degree' is not static. It changes according to the times and the conditions, and should be flexibly applied in real life. Nowadays, with the expansion of reform and opening up, China is continuously adjusting its structure. The ideas, values, behaviors and interests of the Chinese people are increasingly diversified. People are starting to demonstrate a strong preference for self-selectivity, self-determination and self-identification. It has become particularly important for Chinese to correctly understand and properly handle their relations with other people. They should know how to look after themselves and conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. This will undoubtedly play a positive role in building a harmonious society.

In the process of building a harmonious socialist society, we should inherit and carry forward the essence of traditional Chinese culture, of which harmony was a feature. No effort should be spared in promoting and realizing true harmony between people and nature, between people, and between people and self.

The author, Feng Zhijun, is a member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) and vice-chairman of the Committee on Environmental and Resources Protection of the NPC.

By People's Daily Online