The Connection Between Chen Sheng’s Spirit of Rebellion and Modern Concepts of Equality

Abstract

The concept of “equality” originates from the West. This study focuses on exploring the connection between the rebellious spirit embodied in the ancient Chinese Chen Sheng uprising and modern notions of equality. This holds significant importance for uncovering the concept of equality embedded in ancient Chinese culture and for examining the transformation of equality concepts in history China’s modern and contemporary. This paper primarily develops its discussion from four aspects: the historical context and content of the uprising, the conceptual origins of modern equality, and the commonalities and cross-generational connections between the two. The study employed comparative research and literature analysis to locate and examine relevant materials and texts. Findings confirm the structural similarity between the Chen Sheng Uprising and modern equality concepts demonstrating continuity in their value systems. The integration of ancient Chinese and Western concepts of equality shaped modern Chinese notions of equality. This study demonstrates that the Chen Sheng Uprising profoundly influenced both the egalitarian consciousness of later generations in constructing society and modern concepts of equality.