It is generally believed that Dong Zhongshu put forward the idea of harmony between man and nature in the Western Han Dynasty.

But the concept of "harmony between man and nature" was first used, and the source that can be found now is Zhang Zai's True Dream.

Going back, the inventor of this idea can be attributed to Dong Zhongshu. Dong Zhongshu's famous saying is: "Heaven also has joys and sorrows, which are in harmony with people. By analogy, heaven and man are one. " ("Spring and Autumn Stories Yin and Yang Meaning")

But from the origin, it should be said that the germination of the unity of man and nature exists in Yi Zhuan.

Zhouyi speaks with divination;

Adults are in harmony with heaven and earth.

This "adult" is a big shot, referring to the ruler. Here, the "one" in the unity of man and nature is morality. Harmony with heaven and earth shows that heaven and earth are moral.