In recent years, Wang Yangming and his philosophy of the mind have become highly popular topics in both traditional media and online discourse among Chinese communities. Some hail Wang as a near-perfect figure of the past 500 years—a man of extraordinary intellect and capability, who excelled in governance and military strategy. Admirers argue that Wang’s ideas inspired generations of intellectuals and ordinary people alike, profoundly influencing modern Chinese society. Prominent figures such as Zeng Guofan, Sun Yat-sen, Chiang Kai-shek, and even a young Mao Zedong were said to hold him in high regard.
However, others take a more critical stance. They point out Wang’s tumultuous life and unfulfilled ambitions, suggesting that he fell short of achieving the traditional ideal of a scholar-official. Some go as far as dismissing his philosophy as pure idealism, irrelevant to modern realities.
So, who was the real Wang Yangming? What are the true principles of his philosophy of the mind?
In this lecture, esteemed historian Ma Weiyuan will cut through the myths and dramatizations, drawing upon historical records to present an authentic portrait of Wang Yangming and his ideas.
近年来无论是电视媒体还是网络大V都喜欢说王阳明及其心学，因而也就使其成为今日华人热议的经久话题。有人说王阳明上知天文下知地理，文能治国，武能安邦，为近世500年第一完人；也有人说王阳明不仅在明清两朝士子文人中“圈粉”无数，而且还成为贩夫走卒顶礼膜拜的偶像，甚至深刻影响了近代中国社会，曾国藩、孙中山、蒋介石等近代风云人物都曾对他推崇之至，据说少年时代的毛泽东也曾对他有过研究。但也有人认为王阳明人生坎坷，命运多舛，终其一生亦未能出将入相、实现传统士人最为理想的人生境界，因而也就不足称道。更有甚者说，王阳明心学是彻头彻尾的唯心主义，我们应该予以扬弃。那么历史上真实的王阳明究竟是个怎样的人物？他的心学又有着如何一番理论？
拨开层层迷雾，摒除演义和戏说，从正史中去寻找真相，马渭源先生为您还原一个真实的王阳明。
敬请美东时间2025年2月22日晚8时至9时半（北京时间23日早9时至10时半）倾听马渭源先生为海内外广大朋友开设的专题讲座《正说王阳明及其心学》。
China Institute’s cultural programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
