Research on the Evolution of Neo-Confucianism in Chinese Ming Dynasty and the Restoration of Literature

Abstract The Ming Dynasty was an important period of cultural flourishing in Chinese history, with the evolution of Neo-Confucianism and the literary revival being the two major factors shaping thought and literary development during this period. This paper explores systematically the gradual evolution of Neo-Confucianism in the Ming Dynasty, particularly the dominant position of the Cheng-Zhu School of Neo-Confucianism in the early Ming Dynasty and its subsequent diversified transformations, such as the rise of Wang Yangming’s School of Neo-Confucianism and its emphasis on individual moral cultivation and social practice. At the same time, the literary revival movement in the Ming Dynasty aimed to revive ancient classics and styles. The trend of “literature must be Qin and Han, poetry must be prosperous Tang” has been sparked, injecting classical spirit into literary creation. The moral education of Neo Confucianism and the literary revival movement had a profound interactive impact on the ideological and cultural level, jointly promoting the development of Ming Dynasty’s social culture. This article analyzes the influence of Neo Confucianism on social ethics and political education, as well as the shaping of the spiritual outlook of literati through the literary revival movement and explores the historical contributions and limitations of both. This article also evaluates the status of Neo Confucianism and literary revival in Ming Dynasty culture and their profound influence on future generations. It is believed that both are not only important manifestations of Ming Dynasty cultural characteristics, but also provide key perspectives for understanding traditional Chinese thought and literary evolution.