The Harmony Humanities Lab (HHL) centers its research around the theme of harmony, an ideal with intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental dimensions that, while prominent in ancient wisdom traditions, has become largely marginalized in the modern world.
Ancient Chinese thinkers, such as Confucius and Mencius, emphasize that harmony (和; he) transcends mere agreement (同; tong), allowing individuals to collaborate without sacrificing their differences. Daoist philosophers, including Zhuangzi, describe harmony as an alignment between humanity and nature (heaven), as well as between the fundamental elements of the universe, yin and yang. Meanwhile, at the roots of Western philosophy, Plato argues that harmony (ἁρμονια) embodies the ultimate moral, metaphysical, and epistemological principle, the Good. Through its manifestations in nature, the arts, and human speech, harmony inspires individuals to incorporate its qualities into their lives, relationships, and political systems.
In this way, ancient Eastern and Western traditions converge in recognizing harmony as a cornerstone for personal and collective flourishing. This ideal empowers individuals and groups from diverse racial, cultural, religious, and political backgrounds to pursue their own well-being while also contributing to the well-being of others. The disparity between harmony as an ancient ideal and the pervasive disharmony of contemporary society underscores the urgent need to rediscover, study, and share these timeless insights.
