文明的自性

文明总是处于生成之中,但就其本性而言,文明又总会努力守持其本原性的历史文化规定性,并以此为前提,处在一个不断自主性地扬弃旧我,又从其他文明中吸纳养分以重构新我的过程中.一个文明既不是又仍然是而且在更大程度上仍然是其先前所是的那个文明;亦即,在其自主性的发展中和与其他文明的互动中,一个有生命力的文明会努力葆守其本原性的历史文化规定性,同时又不断创造性地重构自我.

The Essence of Civilization

Civilization always remains in the state of generation. However, in terms of its nature, it will always keep its historical and cultural essence. On such basis, it undergoes a perennial process of active discarding and new absorption in an attempt to reshape itself. A civilization is not, still is and to a greater extent the civilization that it was to be. In its own growth and interactions with other civilizations, a civilization of great vitality will keep its historical and cultural essence while reconstructing its self.