Pragmatism:An Important Characteristic of Chinese Cultural Psychology

There is a short tale that requires careful reading. A philosopher took a ferry across the river. He asked the boatman： “Do you understand philosophy？” The boatman answered：“I dont.” The philosopher said： “In that way， you have lost half of your life.”

At this moment， a storm arose and turned the boat over. The boatman asked the philosopher： “Do you know how to swim？” The philosophy answered： “I dont.” The boatman said：“In that way， you will lose all of your life.” The boatman in the tale is Chinese thought personified， a reflection of the importance for Chinese people to think realistically and pragmatically.

The importance of pragmatism is connected to Chinas history as an agricultural society. The pace of the farmers life was inextricably joined with their social environment. All of the Chinese traditional holidays， like the Spring Festival， originated in the activities of farming seasons.

Coming from this kind of cultural background， it comes as no surprise that the Chinese would place more emphasis on agriculture in general. Chinese people realized long ago that farming was the source of income. When your life depends on tilling the earth， there is no room for idealization or impracticability.

Farmers made up the majority of the Chinese population. They understood a simple truth from their daily and seasonal labor of cultivating the land： there is no free lunch， only your efforts will be repaid. Thus， there was no point in empty talk or boasts， only diligent work could be rewarded.

This national characteristic has been refined from lived experience，“Be devoted to the facts and dismiss illusion，” which stems from the fact that“the more one ploughs and weeds， the better the crop.” This spirit has become a fundamental disposition of the nation. It also stands as the criteria for a wise and able person， “The excellent are not flashy and gentlemen are realistic and pragmatic.”

This “pragmatism” is an important characteristic of Confucianism and even in Chinese cultural psychology. It does not depend on mysterious and fanatical approaches， but employs a peaceful and realistic approach to the circumstances at hand. It doesnt restrain or indulge sensual passion， but binds itself to reason and provides a guide to meet or control sensual passion. It is not interested in discussions of an abstract or speculative nature or pure theory and only pays attention to the appropriate treatment of the practical“nuts and bolts” of real life.

Another aspect of this “pragmatism”is an attitude toward the supernatural. Confucius emphasized the world of the living when he said： “While still unable to do your duty to the living， how can you do your duty to the dead？” And moreover， “Not yet understanding life， how can you understand death？”

Although there have been many kinds of religions that have passed through China in thousands of years， the Chinese nation did not get lost in these various religions. They still believe common social customs prevail over the idea of a mystical belief that stands aloof from worldly pursuits.

In principle， the Chinese peoples“ultimate concern” is in pursuit of the highest significance of life by being a sage and man of virtue， establishing morality， being recognized and achieving glory by writing and passing down the wisdom. This is the mainstream of Chinese traditional culture and stands as the difference between Confucianism and religions that dominate the world.

Due to this influence on the Chinese national character， Chinese people exhibit a practical way of thinking about things and do not pay much attention to philosophical theory. Aristotles stress on seeking the natural world is prompted by curiosity rather than a practical goal and so would not find many adherents in China. The Chinese approach is a practical understanding concerned with results rather than a precise ideological system.

The Chinese are often referred to by Western people as “having a special ability in dealing with practical matters.”When Chinese people confront any kind of problem， big or small， difficult or easy， they always use personal experience， opinion， ideal and finesse. They never explore theory to solve a problem.

Chinese people are guided by the spirit of this “pragmatic approach”in their considerations in all fields， including agriculture， industry， business， politics， academics and interpersonal relations. They do not allow emotions to change their voice or expression， but deal with things carefully and calmly， paying attention to common sense and logic rather than impulsiveness or passion. This is because their primary concern is with results.