Zhu Xi

Zhu Xi was a Chinese philosopher and the most influential figure of Neo-Confucianism, synthesising Confucian ethics with metaphysical concepts of li (principle) and qi (vital force). His commentaries became the standard curriculum for the imperial civil service examinations for centuries.

Zhu Xi's synthesis gave Confucianism a metaphysical depth it had previously lacked, allowing it to compete with Buddhist and Daoist metaphysics while maintaining its ethical and social focus. His interpretation of the Four Books defined orthodox Confucianism for the Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties.