The empire, long divided, must unite; long united, must divide. Thus it has ever been.
Throughout Chinese history, the general trend has been that divisions inevitably lead to unification, and unification eventually give way to divisions. The wheel of history rolls forward, perpetually cycling between fragmentation and integration. Both division and unification have their own underlying causes.
Why is unity difficult to sustain?
Many factors can lead to the fragmentation of a regime or nation. These include the inherent fragility of centralized power systems, where concentration of authority often breeds corruption; the instability of inheritance systems in slave and feudal societies; economic contradictions such as land annexation and heavy taxation; the rise and secession of regional powers; external invasions; and ethnic conflicts.
Why does division ultimately return to unity?
Shared culture represents a common ideal for large populations. A strong cultural identity, the ideology of “Great Unification” is a significant reason. The phrase “Cultivate oneself, regulate the family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world” is familiar to every Chinese person. Within it lies the shared ideal: the unification of the nation. It can be said that national division arises from helplessness and incapacity, while unification is the aspiration of the people. As long as the common culture of the nation remains unextinguished, unification is inevitable.
Additionally, China’s geographical isolation, the long-standing influence of agrarian civilization, the realistic pressures of military and geopolitics, and the inherent need for economic and transportation integration are all important factors contributing to unification. Just as the popular motto goes: United we stand, divided we fall.
A philosophical perspective
From a philosophical standpoint, yin and yang never exist in isolation but are opposing yet unified, mutually repelling yet transforming into each other.
For a society or nation, is it possible to break free from this cyclical rhythm of division and unification? Can division and coexistence be maintained with unification as the dominant theme, thereby achieving overall stability? Controlling this cycle at a localized, formal level rather than a substantive one is a goal that requires our diligent effort. This awaits further exploration and practice in social governance.
The rhythm of personal life and relationships
The structure of the family mirrors the state, and this rhythm of division and unification—or the pattern of national rise and decline—is also reflected in families and interpersonal relationships. In the long river of life, we meet, understand, and help many people, but partings are inevitable.
Every gathering is a convergence of fate, and every separation is a starting point for growth. Learning to seek opportunities amidst change and see hope in loss allows one to remain undefeated on the tumultuous stage of life.
Leave a Reply