Changes in the Outlook on Destiny in Western Zhou Dynasty

Zhou people's outlook on fate not only changed China society at that time, but also had a far-reaching impact on all aspects of later generations.

First, Zhou people's outlook on fate is no longer the same as that of Shang Dynasty, but has developed the core idea of "matching heaven with virtue". People's subjective efforts can influence fate and have a far-reaching impact on the ruling thought of later generations. Later, the concepts of "protecting the people" and "cautious punishment" based on "virtue" were absorbed and developed by Confucianism and became the essence of the ruling thought of feudal society for more than 2,000 years.

Secondly, it had a great influence on China's philosophy, from "God-oriented" to "People-oriented". As we said above, in the Shang Dynasty, no matter how big or small things were, people had to do divination, look at God's will first, and then act. The relationship between God and man can be said to be in the era of "God-based". After the Zhou Dynasty, in the relationship between God and man, man's position became more and more important and gradually "people-oriented".

Thirdly, for individuals, the concept of "the combination of heaven and morality" has inspired people to change their consciousness and sense of responsibility in the fear and pursuit of fate.