Cheng Hao

Cheng Hao was a pivotal figure in the creation of a Confucian tradition that was to become the basis for intellectual and state orthodoxy in China from the thirteenth century to the twentieth century. His decision to seek the Confucian Way (dao) through a direct and personalized reading of the classics was later projected as the beginning of this movement. From a new perspective, he redirected Confucian discourse on such cardinal concepts as humaneness and human nature. Born into a family which for three generations had distinguished itself in high offices, Cheng Hao accompanied his father to a succession of posts in central China. At the age of twenty he passed the national civil service examination and, for most of the years until 1180, had a notable official career which culminated in 1169-70 with service at the emperor's court. During audiences with the emperor and in written memorials, he followed the example of Mencius in admonishing his ruler to follow benevolence and refusing even to discuss what would bring profit and advantages. So critical was he of Wang Anshi's utilitarian obsession with maximizing advantages and the happiness of the greatest number of people that Cheng was demoted to a local post and eventually dismissed entirely. The last five years of his life he devoted to teaching an increasing number of disciples, drawn in part by his exceptionally gracious and warm disposition.