ABSTRACT
China’s relationalism becomes functional when it turns into habits of the mind. This chapter lays down a foundation for the comprehensive studies of ancient Chinese views on human mental activities such as perception, memory, intelligence, nature of being human, language development, formation of self-identity, and most interestingly, the unique Chinese concept of the “heart” as a managerial hub of external and internal environments as well as physical and mental activities. Through these revelations, the reader will see clearly the extraordinary depths of relationalism in the Chinese psyche. These unique habits of the mind, in turn, created a relational reality in which the Chinese experienced and developed their personal identity and values. Convinced that the world is relational, the Chinese managed to amass efficient ways to navigate their world of relationalism and among the most used gauges is one doctrine called “reasonableness.” When facing a sticky situation, a Westerner might habitually ask, “Is this legal?” but a Chinese person would wonder if it is “reasonable.” Over the many centuries, reasonableness acted as the principle in family or neighborly conflicts, trades, even political and inter-state disputes.
