Executive Briefing: Innate Knowing
Ming Dynasty general-philosopher Wang Yangming (1472–1529) broke with Zhu Xi, asserting that principle (*Li*) is not found outside in books, but is innate in the human mind (*Xin*), realized through Liangzhi (innate moral knowing).
1. The Unity of Knowledge and Action
Wang taught: *”Knowledge is the beginning of action; action is the completion of knowledge.”* To know what is good and not act upon it is simply not yet to truly know.
2. References
- Wang Yangming. (1527). Instructions for Practical Living. Translated by W. T. Chan (1963). Columbia University Press.