儒道交鋒下的永續智慧：從孔子與老子，看東方思想如何對話聯合國SDGs

當全球面對氣候危機、社會不平等與治理失靈的挑戰時，來自古代東方的智慧是否仍有貢獻的空間？在聯合國所提出的17項永續發展目標（SDGs）引領全球發展方向之際，孔子與老子的思想，再次成為我們理解「人與社會、自然與制度」關係的關鍵視角。

儒家思想：制度與教育的永續基礎

孔子，儒家思想的奠基者，強調「仁」、「義」、「禮」、「智」，並主張透過教育與制度，達成個人修身、社會和諧與國家穩定。

在 SDGs 中，孔子的價值觀對以下目標格外契合：

SDG 4：優質教育

孔子提出「有教無類」，強調教育不應因階級而有差別，與當今追求教育普及與平權的目標不謀而合。

SDG 10：減少不平等

透過「仁愛」與「忠恕」的倫理觀，孔子鼓勵上位者善待弱勢、尊重他人尊嚴。

SDG 16：和平與正義制度

儒家所主張的「以德為本」、「禮治天下」，為今日法治與良善治理提供哲學根基。

SDG 17：全球夥伴關係

孔子提倡「己欲立而立人，己欲達而達人」，鼓勵合作共好，正呼應現代國際合作精神。

道家智慧：環境哲學與簡約生活

老子，道家思想代表人物，其哲學核心為「道法自然」、「無為而治」，主張人類應順應天地萬物的自然節奏，減少過度干預與慾望。

老子思想對以下SDGs有啟發性的貢獻：

SDG 12：負責任消費與生產

道家提倡「少私寡欲」、「知足常樂」，正是對抗過度消費文化的良方。

SDG 13：氣候行動 & SDG 15：陸域生態

「天地不仁，以萬物為芻狗」的警語提醒人類應謙卑看待自然萬物，避免人定勝天的傲慢。

儒道對話：哪一種思想更適合SDGs？

如果從可實踐的層面出發，儒家思想較容易落實於教育政策、治理制度與社會倫理建設，與SDGs的結構性目標緊密結合。但若我們從生活態度與環境哲學的角度切入，道家則提供了一種深層次的永續視角：尊重自然、放慢腳步、簡化需求。

最理想的方式，或許不是「選邊站」，而是思考如何融合兩者優勢：

以孔子為基礎，推動制度建設與社會教育；

以老子為靈魂，培養自然敬畏與簡約生活哲學。

這種「儒道合一」的永續視野，不僅提供東方文化在全球永續議題上的思維貢獻，也為我們個人與社會提供一種內外兼修的發展之路。

永續發展不只是一連串國際政策與目標數字，更是一種文明的選擇。孔子與老子雖千年前身處禮崩樂壞的時代，他們的智慧，卻可能正是當代永續轉型的思想指引。

如果我們願意聆聽古人的低語，也許能在全球危機之中，找回一種東方的恬靜與理性。

Sustainable Wisdom from the East:

How Confucianism and Daoism Dialogue with the UN Sustainable Development Goals

As the world grapples with climate change, social inequality, and governance failures, can ancient Eastern wisdom still offer meaningful guidance? Amidst global momentum for the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the philosophies of Confucius and Laozi emerge once again as critical lenses through which we can reexamine the relationship between humanity, society, nature, and institutions.

Confucianism: Building Sustainability Through Education and Institutions

Confucius, the founder of Confucian thought, emphasized benevolence (仁), righteousness (義), propriety (禮), and wisdom (智). He believed that personal cultivation, social harmony, and national stability could be achieved through education and well-structured governance.

Confucian values align closely with several SDGs:

SDG 4: Quality Education

Confucius advocated for inclusive education with the principle of “teaching without discrimination,” aligning with the modern pursuit of universal and equitable access to learning.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

His ethics of compassion and empathy encourage those in power to protect the vulnerable and uphold human dignity.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The Confucian ideals of moral governance and rule by virtue offer a philosophical foundation for today’s rule of law and good governance.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Confucius promoted mutual growth and collective success—"Help others achieve as you wish to achieve"—which resonates with the spirit of international collaboration.

Daoist Wisdom: Environmental Philosophy and Simplicity

Laozi, the father of Daoism, centered his philosophy on "following the Dao of nature" and "non-action" (無為而治), encouraging humanity to live in harmony with the natural rhythms of the world, avoiding excessive interference and desire.

Daoist thought contributes unique perspectives to several SDGs:

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Daoism's call for modest desires and contentment serves as a counterbalance to consumerism and material excess.

SDG 13: Climate Action & SDG 15: Life on Land

The warning that “Heaven and Earth are impartial; they treat all things as straw dogs” invites humility in how we engage with nature—challenging the anthropocentric mindset of dominating the Earth.

Confucius vs. Laozi: Which Philosophy Better Serves the SDGs?

From a practical standpoint, Confucianism is more readily applied to education policies, governance reforms, and social ethics—closely tied to the structural goals of the SDGs. However, Daoism offers a profound and spiritual lens on sustainability—valuing simplicity, slow living, and reverence for the environment.

The best approach, perhaps, is not to choose one over the other, but to embrace the strengths of both:

Let Confucius provide the foundation for institutional development and moral education;

Let Laozi infuse our culture with ecological awareness and a lifestyle of mindful simplicity.

This fusion—a “Harmony of Confucianism and Daoism”—offers not only an Eastern contribution to global sustainability conversations but also a pathway for individuals and societies to develop in both outer progress and inner wisdom.

Sustainable development is not merely a collection of policy targets and indicators—it is a civilizational choice. Though Confucius and Laozi lived in an era of societal breakdown over two millennia ago, their insights may very well hold the key to navigating today’s global crises.

If we are willing to listen to the quiet wisdom of the ancients, we may rediscover in times of turmoil a path marked by tranquility, balance, and reason.

原文 (中文) : Bruno Huang

翻譯 (英文) : Bruno Huang

#孔子 #儒家 #老子 #道家

#SDGs #永續發展目標