From Mandate of Heaven to Mission: Semantic Rupture and Subject Reconstruction in Pre-Qin Theories of "Ming"
This article deeply analyzes the semantic fission of the character "ming" (命) in pre-Qin thought, tracing its evolution from divine mandate and innate nature to an active mission, demonstrating that it was not passive fatalism but rather proactive assumption of responsibility beyond cognitive horizons. By re-examining core propositions like Confucius's "knowing the mandate of Heaven," the study reveals the dynamic relationship of Heaven-human interaction in pre-Qin philosophy, showcasing the robust subjectivity and sense of mission within traditional Chinese culture.
Section 4: "Each Corrects Its Innate Nature and Fate" (各正性命) in the Book of Changes: The Cosmological Foundation of Innate Nature and Fate
The Book of Changes, in the "Commentary on the Decision" (彖传, Tuan Zhuan) of the "Qian" hexagram, contains a magnificent statement:
"The Way of Qian (Heaven) transforms, each corrects its innate nature and fate, preserves harmony, and thus there is benefit and correctness."(《周易·乾·彖传》)(乾道变化，各正性命，保合太和，乃利贞。 Qian dao bian hua, ge zheng xing ming, bao he tai he, nai li zhen.)
The Way of Qian (Heaven) transforms, each corrects its innate nature and fate, preserves supreme harmony, and thus there is benefit and correctness.
"Each corrects its innate nature and fate" (各正性命, ge zheng xing ming)—every existing being must "correct" its innate nature and fate. It is not Heaven that corrects it for you, nor others who correct it for you, but you yourself who correct it. "Zheng" (正, correct) is an act of active rectification. Your innate nature and fate are bestowed by Heaven, but whether it can be made proper and fulfilled depends on your own cultivation.
This is akin to Mencius's "establishing fate" (立命): fate needs to be "established," and innate nature and fate need to be "corrected." Heaven provides the raw materials, but the final product must be completed by you.
Why does the Book of Changes say "each corrects its innate nature and fate" instead of "Heaven corrects the innate nature and fate of all things"$38 Because in the pre-Qin cosmology, Heaven is not a dictator; it does not handle everything. Heaven gives birth to all things, bestows innate nature upon them, and then lets go—allowing all things to "correct" themselves, "transform" themselves, and "complete" themselves. Heaven's greatness lies not in control but in trust after bestowal.
The difference between this cosmology and fatalism is clear at a glance. The Heaven of fatalism is a controller: it dictates everything, and you can only obey. The Heaven of the pre-Qin era is a bestower: it gives you innate nature and fate, and then lets you complete it yourself.