The term represents one interpretation of the relationship between “knowledge” and “action.” Regarding the relationship between “knowledge” and “action,” Wang Fuzhi（1619-1692） and others argued that “action precedes knowledge.” Wang acknowledged that an understanding of the principles underlying human relations in everyday life is interrelated with the application of these principles, but in terms of sequence, only through “action” can one obtain “knowledge.” “Action” is the source of “knowledge” and has a decisive impact on “knowledge.” If one can “act,” one inevitably “knows” about one’s actions, but the ability to “know” does not necessarily translate into the ability to “act.”

Only after acting can one know the difficulties involved; without efforts to act one cannot know. (Wang Fuzhi: Explicating the Lessons of the Four Books)