Abstract

The concept of the Anthropocene, along with its accompanying time scales and ecological implications, has triggered a lot of conjecture from the humanities, including philosophy, literature, and art, about the "end of nature" and the "end of civilization". The future sustainable development of the earth depends greatly on human beings worldwide. The author emphasizes that the relationship between humans and the earth is not only a contemporary problem pertinent only to the 21st century, but it also stands as a fundamental issue throughout the long history of civilization. Throughout time, maintaining a harmonious coexistence with nature has been an unwavering concern for the survival of humankind. It is essential to consider the wealth of knowledge accumulated by various civilizations, particularly the Chinese, when reflecting on sustainable development for the entirety of humanity. As we engage in vital dialogues about re-imagining the future of our planet, it would be remiss to overlook the wisdom heralded by various cultures over centuries. Specifically, Chinese civilization has a great deal to offer when considering sustainable development practices. Traditional Chinese culture embodies a "holistic", "organic" and "everlasting" concept of development in the "human-nature" relationship. As we enter the Anthropocene era, there is an opportunity to bridge the gap between Western traditional dualism and modernity by drawing upon Chinese philosophy. Concepts such as "Tao bears the World," "Oneness of Heaven and Man," and "Mind-nature Interaction Theory," offer valuable ecological insights that can help us navigate this crucial period of environmental transformation.

Keywords anthropocene, modernity, Chinese philosophy, Chinese literary theory