March 22 is World Water Day. Believed to be the source (源头) of all life, water plays a great role in the beginning of Chinese civilization (文明) and has inspired wise ideas in Chinese philosophy (哲学).
Chinese civilization is one of the world's ancient river civilizations. It began thousands of years ago along the Yellow and Yangtze rivers, linking the culture to water from its beginning.
However, the way people and water get along has two sides. Water is highly important for life and growing things, but if we can't control it, it can cause big problems. Knowing the strong power of water, Chinese people have always tried to use it in the best way possible. For example, Yu, the first ruler of the Xia Dynasty (朝代), controlled floods by changing and digging the waterways so that the water could easily go into the sea.
The Dujiangyan irrigation (灌溉) system in Sichuan was cleverly built It makes full use of the natural features of the area without harming the environment.
Water is also given philosophical meanings to educate Chinese people and rule the country. According to Xunzi, Confucius (孔子) believed water had qualities such as justice and courage. He once said that: "He who is wise loves water; he who is virtuous loves mountains." So, Confucianism suggests that people should learn from water and train their sense of morality (道德感). Inspired by water, Laozi gave birth to the idea of "overcoming hardness with softness and non-action". These ideas later inspired rulers to follow the rules of nature and respect the will of the people.
a. Water is really important for life and growing things.
b. Water only plays an important role in Chinese philosophy.
c. If people can't control water, it can cause big problems.
d. It's impossible for people to control water.
A. ab B. bc C. ac D. bd