| Wenzi, the important work of the pre-Qin Taoism, builds a bridge between doctrines and all living things on the earth, describes that doctrines are characterized by “nihility, plainness, tranquility, gentleness and pure simplicity”, proposes that “benevolence and righteousness oriented” idea is both the base of governing the country and the essence of benevolent ruling, and indicates that the morality education is the premise and basis of “bringing an individuals modesty back”, pursuing benevolence and righteousness and carrying out the benevolent ruling. Wenzi also states that the purpose of moral education is to cultivate the sages who can experience, comprehend, acquire and practise the doctrines, characterized by “small heart, big ambition, great wisdom, good manners, many capabilities and few troubles”. It proposes the talent standard of “knowing the doctrines and understand the authority” and “having both wisdom and capabilities”, and the evaluation principle of “possessing the virtues regardless of the tiny wickedness”. Based on the “nature”, it elaborates the educational method of “governing by doing nothing that goes against the nature” and “setting an example with peoples own conducts”, and advocates that an individual should “cultivate both body and mind”, i.e. giving priority to mind cultivation, people should show indifference to fame and wealth, seek modesty and peace, become gentle and humble, keep perfect and faithful, while giving minority to the body cultivation, people should reach the state with restraint, adequacy and convenience. All the above have helped to form the systematic morality education thought and to drive it to gradually get rid of mystery and to step onto the rational track. |
