Zhang Taiyan and Heidegger as Thinkers of the Meontological Decline

Both Zhang Taiyan and Heidegger oppose the idea of unilinear teleological progress by unveiling the dimensions of decline embedded in modern (Western) civilization. In terms of the theory of dual "evolution," Zhang points out that accompanying the increase of good and happiness is the inevitable aggravation of evil and suffering. Critically appropriating Spengler, Heidegger diagnoses the current era as one of gigantic decline and speaks of Europe as the actualization of the decline of the West. Zhang attributes the meontological source of evil and suffering to the abiding affective imprint and self-conceit, while Heidegger's thematization of decline is intimately bound up with his abiding concern with the history of Being. Confronted with the world of decline, Zhang puts forward a Zhuangzian proposal of "harmonizing between shi 是 and fei 非." In contrast, for Heidegger this decline at the same time offers the transition into the other inception of Western tradition.