Wang Fuzhi's Complete Commentary on the Great Learning

Wang Fuzhi's interpretation of The Great Learning in Explanations of the Complete Collection of the Four Books embodies his profound philosophical thought and practical approach to statecraft, offering later scholars a distinctive perspective on the text.

At the level of ontology, Wang Fuzhi analyzes The Great Learning through the lens of the theory that qi is the sole origin of all things. He points out that all things are condensations of qi, so "investigating things" means understanding and examining the myriad things formed from qi. In interpreting "making one's bright virtue manifest," Wang Fuzhi argues that "bright virtue" is not an abstract spirit detached from the material world, but an inherent moral nature housed in the qi of the human body. This differs from some Song and Ming Confucian views that make "bright virtue" overly metaphysical and sever it from the real world. Wang Fuzhi instead stresses its close connection to the material foundation.

On the relationship between knowledge and action, Wang Fuzhi criticizes the traditional claim that knowledge comes first and action follows, arguing that "knowledge and action support each other in their function." In the context of The Great Learning, he sees "investigating things and extending knowledge" and "making one's intentions sincere, rectifying one's heart, and cultivating oneself" as a process in which knowledge and action reinforce one another. "Investigating things and extending knowledge" is the beginning of seeking knowledge, allowing one to understand things. "Making one's intentions sincere, rectifying one's heart, and cultivating oneself" means putting that knowledge into practice, applying moral principles in one's conduct, and continually improving oneself. Neither can be neglected. For example, understanding the principle of filial respect is knowledge, while caring attentively for one's parents and treating them with respect in daily life is action. Only by combining the two can one follow the path of self-cultivation advocated in The Great Learning.

In the social and political sphere, Wang Fuzhi draws on The Great Learning's ideal of "regulating the family, governing the state, and bringing peace to all under Heaven" to explain his thoughts on establishing social order.