The term means achieving overall harmonious co-existence on the basis of respecting differences and diversity. Uniformity and harmony are two different attitudes to treating and accommodating social groups. Uniformity means obliterating differences in everything while harmony is to keep and respect the differences. Allowing different things to complement and supplement each other will create a harmonious whole full of vitality and creativity.
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【引例】
夫和實生物,同則不繼。(《國語•鄭語》)
君子和而不同,小人同而不和。(《論語•子路》)
Harmony begets new things; while uniformity does not lead to continuation. (Discourses on Governance of the States)
A man of virtue pursues harmony but does not seek uniformity; a petty man seeks uniformity but does not pursue harmony. (The Analects)