This is one interpretation of the relationship between “knowledge” and “action.” Based on the concept in philosophy of the mind that “there are no li (理), or principles, outside the mind,” Wang Yangming (1472-1529) made the argument that “there is unity of knowledge and action.” He felt that it was impossible to separate an understanding of the principles underlying human relations in everyday life from the application of these principles, that these were two sides of the same thing. If there was “knowledge” in the mind, it would surely be put into practice, as “action” was the natural use of “knowledge.” If it was not applied, it could not be true “knowledge.” On the other hand, “action” would also bring about deeper knowledge. Without “knowledge,” mere unconscious or forced behavior would not constitute proper “action.”

Searching for principles outside the mind is the reason why people separate knowledge from action; searching for principles within one’s mind is how sages teach about the unity of knowledge and action. (Records of Great Learning)

When knowledge is genuine and substantive, it becomes action; when actions bring about self-awareness and keen perceptions, they become knowledge. “Knowledge” and “action” were indivisible to begin with, and it was only because scholars later treated them as two separate things, contrary to their original nature, that there was a theory of their being united and developing together. (Records of Great Learning)