The Complementation of Confucianism and Taoism On ZHONG Chang?tong and His Thoughts

ZHONG Chang?tong, a well?known thinker and gifted scholar in the late Han Dynasty, once hoped that he would devote his wisdom to reforming the then politics and social orders. After some setbacks, he retired to his study and devoted all his energies to writing the book Chang Yan, or Speaking Without Reservations. He criticized fiercely in the book the darkness of politics and degenerations of officials, exposed the polarization of the rich and the poor, and condemned the injustice of the society. He proposed reformations such as the limitation of owning the land, the reduction of penalty and providing relief for the poor. He proposed rectifying the practice of selecting officials and correcting the officials' style of work. Moreover, he put stress on developing agriculture and strengthening the national defence. He attached importance to maintaining traditional practices of Confucious ideas, etc.. After personal sufferings life dealt him, he grew synical and retired to nature, enjoying the blissings of life.