The way of man refers to the code of conduct that people must observe and also the relations and norms that keep human society on the right track. The way of man stands in contrast to the way of heaven. When Western culture was introduced to China in modern times, the term gained the meaning of respect and care for people’s lives, well-being, dignity, freedom, and individuality.
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【引例】
天道遠,人道邇。(《左傳•昭公十八年》)
堯、舜不易日月而興,桀、紂不易星辰而亡,天道不改而人道易也。(陸賈《新語•明誡》)
The way of heaven is far away; the way of man is near. (Zuo’s Commentary on The Spring and Autumn Annals)
The rise of Yao and Shun did not change the sun and the moon. The fall of Jie and Zhou did not change the stars. This is because the way of man does not change the way of heaven. (Lu Jia: New Thoughts)