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Introduction ? longest-lived civilization in history Isolated Couldn?t learn from other cultures Rare invasions Distinctive identity Relatively little internal chaos w/ decline of Shang dynasty Greatest links to classical society Intellectual theory Harmony of nature ? yin and yang ? balance Seek Dao ? the way Avoid excess Appreciate balance of opposites Humans part of world, not on outside ? like Mediterranean Thesis: China emerged with an unusually well-integrated system in which government, philosophy, economic incentives, the family, and the individual were intended to blend into a harmonious whole. Patterns in Classical China Pattern of rule Dynasty, family of kings ? create strong politics, economy Dynasty grew weak, taxes declined Social divisions increased
