In this complex world, people's understanding of the unity of knowledge and action is also diverse. I once heard an interesting idea that reversed the unity of knowledge and action in Yangming Mind, and advocated the unity of action and knowledge.
According to this view, practice is the way to acquire true knowledge, and therefore, action should precede knowledge.
I have a different view of this.
The practice advocated by the unity of action and knowledge does emphasize the importance of exploring and verifying knowledge through practice.
However, the knowledge gained from this practice is not necessarily a truth that conforms to Taoist wisdom, but may only be a limited cognition in the social environment.
Therefore, we need to be cautious about the knowledge gained through practice and not take it lightly as a great way.
In contrast, I prefer the traditional concept of the unity of knowledge and action.
The unity of knowledge and action is not simply a superficial connection between knowledge and action, but a deeper level of cultivation and practice.
It requires us to not only deeply understand but also verify and practice through action after gaining a cognition or truth.
This kind of practice is not only the verification of knowledge, but also the tempering and perfection of self.
In modern society, the acquisition of knowledge is changing with each passing day, and the importance of practice is becoming more and more prominent.
However, we also cannot ignore the intrinsic link between knowledge and action. Only when we integrate knowledge into practice and transform cognition into action can we truly appreciate the realm of the unity of knowledge and action.
Therefore, the unity of action and knowledge and the unity of knowledge and action are not simple opposites, but a dialectical unity.
In the process of our growth and practice, we may need to practice the unity of knowledge and knowledge, but more importantly, we should bear in mind the wisdom of the unity of knowledge and action, integrate knowledge and action, and embark on our own path of cultivation.