The four directions of ancient Chinese thinking modes and their applications: Reflections based on "Einstein's Statement"

Starting from the interpretation of the "thinking mode" within the discourse system of ancient China, this paper analyzes four distinct directions of the primitive dialectical thinking modes that emerged from the life essence of traditional Chinese culture and their applications. These are: the systematic thinking mode of the Circular Path inspired by the I Ching (Yi Jing) and its application in the manufacture of ancient Chinese wheels; the imagery thinking mode inspired by Yi zhuan (Commentaries on the I Ching) and its application in the production of tools for daily life; the intuitive thinking mode nurtured by Daoist philosophy and promoted by Daoism, leading to the medicinal use of alchemical findings; and the rational thinking mode fostered by Song-Ming Neo-Confucianism, which contributed to the development and technical improvements of the three great inventions of ancient China.