"Natural Sciences" and "More Knowledge" in Ancient China

A great deal of historic evidence has suggested that, advocated by Confucius in the Spring and Autumn Period, the scholars in ancient China have been paying attention for natural sciences and getting more knowledge about names of plants and animals. "More knowledge" stressed people should be able to master more knowledge of plants and animals, and its implications have become richer and richer with the development of the time, which greatly promoted the development of nature sciences in ancient China. In fact, the aims of ancient scholars accumulating knowledge of animals and plants were to explore relevant laws of nature, so as to make use of animal and plant resources for better production and life, and enjoy more beauty of nature and psychological pleasure. This tradition has produced profound influence for development of consciousness of rational use of resources and ecological ethics in Chinese civilization.