和而不同:多元文化共处的终极原则

Harmony Upon Differences:Ultimate Principle for Multicultural Co-existence

21世纪,人类需要一个和生共存,多元互补,各美其美,美人之美,各得其所的文化发展局面。文化的交往和汇流难免发生碰撞和冲突。怎样才能做到存差异,求发展?中国传统文化中的"和而不同"的观念可以为此提供非常有价值的资源。"和而不同"的观念用在文化上就是要承认各种文化中的"不同",因为"不同"是文化发展的根本前提。但是,"不同"并非互不相关,孤立存在,各"不同"之间,须得用"和"加以协调,方能在不同文化之间建立起一种和谐有益的关系,使各个不同的文化都能得到新的发展。

In the 21st century, we need an environment for many cultures to exist peacefully together, complementing each other, perfecting each other and each being in its proper place. In the course of cultural exchange and confluence, there will unavoidably be collisions and conflicts between different coutures. How to lead to multicultural development amid differences? The traditional Chinese concept of 'harmony upon differences'may provide a positive solution to this problem. This concept, when applied to the matter of culture, means that 'differences'in cultures should be acknowledged, respected and maintained, for 'differences'are the fundamental premise for any cultural development. 'Differences', however, do not mean non-related or isolated existence. They must be readjusted by 'harmony'. Only in this way can a harmonious and constructive relationship be built up between different cultures and can individual cultures gain new progress.