Changes in nature follow constant rules. This concept comes from Xunzi (313?-238BC). But this idea has an even longer history. The ancient Chinese believed that changes in nature followed certain rules. More importantly, the rules or laws governing nature are constant and are not affected by changes in human affairs or humans’ attitude towards nature. Therefore, the ways of nature constitute a constant background for human life and exert a constant influence on human beings and their affairs. However, different scholars have different understandings of the specific content of the rules of nature and its relationship with human beings.

Nature’s ways are constant. They did not exist because Yao was on the throne or disappear because Jie was the ruler. (Xunzi)