Thinker × theme

Zhu Xi quotes on knowledge

2 verified English passages where Zhu Xi’ s thought meets questions of knowledge.

Zhu Xi on knowledge

Zhu Xi (1130–1200) approaches knowledge within Neo-Confucianism. Li is the coherent pattern in all things; qi individuates and can obscure nature. Human nature is originally good as principle; cultivation clears turbid qi through investigation of things (gewu) and reverence. On this page, the archive isolates English passages where that project meets knowledge most directly—useful for searches such as “zhu xi quotes on knowledge.”

How to use this page

Start with the shortest passage, then compare tone across sources. Return to the Zhu Xi thinker page for biography and to the knowledge theme for other voices on the same question.

Frequently asked

What did Zhu Xi say about knowledge?

The quotations below are the archive’s curated answer: English renderings selected for clarity and attribution, not a complete corpus.

Where else should I read after zhu xi on knowledge?

Related themes: Self , Freedom , Nature , Reason , Life , Wisdom .

  1. The clearer the knowing, the more earnest the practice; the more earnest the practice, the clearer the knowing.
  2. To extend knowledge lies in investigating things: if one wishes to extend one's knowledge, one must approach things and exhaust their principle.