On Zhu Xi and Hermeneutics of Classics in China

As a representative of hermeneutics of classics in ancient China, Zhu Xi is very prolific, and his works such as The Essential Nature of I Ching, Commentaries on The Book of Songs, Collective Remarks on the 4 Classics and General Interpretations on the Classics and Commentaries of the Rites all have epoch-making influences in their respective fields. Furthermore, Zhu Xi has abundant thoughts in hermeneutics and well developed modes of hermeneutics. In his theory of hermeneutics, seeking Dao (reason) and applying it is the starting point, observing oneself and being modest is the basic way, and interpreting between "original meaning" and "subjective understanding" is the strategy. Zhu Xi's hermeneutic thoughts create an integral system of his own, which represents the highest level of hermeneutics of classics in ancient China, and embodies the theoretical logic and hermeneutic way different from those of Western hermeneutics.