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The Socialization Beginning of General Education: The Great Unity Ideals in the Tongren Hexagram
PHIL002Lesson 6
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General education is not merely a collection of disciplines, but ratherthe first dawn of socialization for the individual. In the hexagram Tian Hua Tongren (Heaven and Fire, Uniting People) (☰/☲), fire symbolizes civilization and light, moving beneath heavenβ€”the symbol of the public domain. This represents an individual stepping out from private life, widely connecting with others through benevolent intent, marking the initial attempt to practice Confucian ideals of 'Great Unity'.

13 Heaven and Fire, Uniting People (☰/☲)Fire Above Heaven: Civilization Illuminates the Public Sphere

Core Levels of Socialization

  • First Nine: Uniting People at the Door: Symbolizing young people just entering society, stepping out from the privacy of home. The image says: 'When going out to unite with others, who can blame you?' This unbiasedwidespread connectionis the core of general education's civic competence.
  • Ninth Five: Shared Aspirations: Leaders endowed with the spirit of theSageideal should lead with gentle guidance and care to unite hearts. Though facing hardshipβ€”'first weeping, then laughing'β€”they ultimately achieve harmony with heaven and humanity, forging revolutionary camaraderie.
  • Ninth Three: Power Psychology: In the process of socialization, competition and suspicion are inevitable. The line statement describes 'concealing troops in the wilderness,' where resentment arises due to the strength of the Ninth Five, yet no action is taken. This reminds us of the wisdom ofbetter to remain still than to act rashly, recognizing the right moment and maintaining moral self-reflection.

From 'I' to 'We'

When individuals cease limiting interaction to hometown friends (Uniting within the clan) and actively participate in cross-domain public activities, they initiate a transformation from private interest toward collective well-being. This shift is not only about skill acquisition, but also about achieving the ideal ofmany allies will support you, a mindset of abundant support.

Visual Metaphor: The Fire of Great Unity
Imagine the grand scene of people dancing together around a campfire at night (see p. 164). The fire (Li trigram) gathers people under the night sky (Qian trigram)β€”this is the most vivid visual interpretation of 'shared aspirations' and the 'Great Unity' ideal. Even in times of peace, one must not forget the readiness for 'establishing a feudal lord and marching armies.'