中国传统“尊道贵德”观念及其现实意义

On Chinese Traditional Idea of "Respecting Dao and Valuing De" and Its Practical Significance

"尊道贵德"是中国最古老的根本价值观念,并成为中国传统价值观首要的基本精神。这一观念最早包含在《易经》之中,在老子那里首次得到了理论上的表达,并为春秋战国时期大多数学派所普遍认同。在古人看来,"道"是宇宙万物之根本,它是与人性相通的,而"德"是对"道"的"得",因而就有了"道德"的概念。因此,"尊道贵德"实际上就是尊崇、珍视道德。今天大力弘扬"尊道贵德"观念,有助于从根本上克服我国道德生活乃至整个社会生活中的严重社会问题,构建具有形而上根基的道德体系;也有助于在现代条件下重建中国人的道德信仰,确立源自天道人心的道德在人们心目中的崇高地位。

“Respecting Dao and Valuing De”is one of the oldest fundamental values in China and the basic spirit of Chinese traditional values.The idea,firstly contained in Yijing and theoretically expressed by Laozi,gets consensus by major schools in the Spring and Autumn Period.According to ancients,“Dao”is the essential of universe and can communicate with human being,while“De”means to acquire Dao,it is in this sense that we have the concept of“Daode”(translated as Morality).In this way,“respecting Dao and valuing De”means respect and value morality.To promote the idea of“respecting Dao and valuing De”is helpful to solve the serious social problem in current moral life together with the whole social life,construct metaphysical moral system together with Chinese moral belief which upholds the morality originated from Dao and human heart.