The Transformation of the Mentality, Thought, and Scholarship of Zhejiang Literati in the Late Ming and Early Qing

Abstract

During the Ming-Qing transition, academic thought experienced significant diversification, and the mentalities, ideologies, and
scholarly pursuits of Zhejiang literati underwent various transformations. In terms of mentality, they shifted from ostentation to simplicity, focused on real-world issues, and reflected on the lessons of the Ming dynastys collapse. However, they exhibited contrasting attitudes
of acceptance and resistance toward the sweeping social changes. Ideologically, while most followed the Wang school represented by Liu
Zongzhou and Huang Zongxi, a return to Zhu Xis teachings was first proposed by Zhang Liang and later carried on by LLiuliang and Lu
Longqi, forming a Zhu-centered ideological camp. This gradually developed into the main line of the early Qing intellectual trend known as
Revering Zhu and Rejecting Wang. Academically, many literati moved from abstract introspection back to pragmatic application, transitioning from the inward-focused learning of mind and nature to the practical learning of governance and daily practice.