Xu Ai


Xu Ai was an important Chinese philosopher during the mid-late Ming Dynasty. He was also a magistrate and writer.

Biography

Xu was born in Maoyan, Yuyao, Shaoxing Fu, Zhejiang Province in 1487. His courtesy name was Yueren, and artist's pseudonym was Hengshan.
In the third year of Zhengde Era, Xu joined the imperial examination and was qualified and matriculated as a governmental official. He was the mayor of Qizhou. Later he was transferred to Nanjing, the sub-capital of the Ming China. In Nanjing, he chronologically served in the Ministry of Military as a Yuanwailang and in Ministry of Construction as a Langzhong there.
In the 11th year of Zhengde Era, Xu went back to hometown for mothering; and in 1517 died of illness at the age of 31.

Philosophy

Xu was one of the earliest student of the philosopher Wang Yangming. He was considered as a royal, important member and the second generation of the Yangming School of Mind.
Wang Yangming proposed his thought of conscience and intuitive knowledge, but most people and Confucians during his time didn't accept it. Xu mainly contributed to the further expatiation and the consummation of Wang's philosophy in this domain, and also further developed Wang's school of philosophy.
Xu recorded most of Wang's words and works, collected and recensing them, also printed and published these philosophical monographies. So Xu also played an important role in publicizing the philosophy in a popular style.