On the Value of the Chinese Pre-Qin Confucian Thought of “Harmony” for Modern Public Mental Health

Abstract

The Chinese pre-Qin Confucianism puts forward the concept of “Harmony,” covering “Balanced Harmony,” “External Harmony,” and “Internal Harmony,” etc. “Balanced Harmony” refers to the harmonious state of balance at both ends. “External Harmony” indicates the harmonious relationship with others, with society and with nature. “Internal Harmony” reveals the harmonious state within oneself between body and mind. “Balanced Harmony” is the ideal pursuit of Harmony, “External Harmony” and “Internal Harmony” are the two basic contents of Harmony, the trinity of which constitute a systematic concept of valuing “Harmony.” The golden mean is the fundamental criterion for achieving “Balanced Harmony,” while “Benevolent people love others” and “Seeking from the heart” are the two basic requirements for achieving “External Harmony” and “Internal Harmony” specifically, and together they constitute a systematic methodology of valuing “Harmony.” As one of the backbones of traditional Chinese culture, the Chinese pre-Qin Confucian thought of “Harmony” not only has had a far-reaching impact on the temperament, mental state, cognitive style, and moral character of the Chinese nation in history but also provides insights for public mental health in modern times globally, containing a great deal of useful information for mental health issues from which Western public mental health could profit.