Wang Yangming
1472–1529 · Chinese (Zhejiang) · Ming Dynasty
Known for: The philosopher-general who proved knowledge and action are one — then proved it by winning battles
Wang Yangming developed the Neo-Confucian philosophy of 'innate knowledge' (liangzhi) — the idea that moral knowledge is innate and that knowledge without action is not true knowledge. He was also a successful military commander who suppressed rebellions, proving his philosophy in practice.
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