Core Viewpoint - The book "The Extreme of the World: The Historical Changes of the Concept of World Hub" by Gao Bo discusses the evolution of the Chinese concept of "Tianxia" (All Under Heaven) and its transformation from the Han to the late Qing dynasty, emphasizing the interaction between ancient Chinese cosmology and modern Western cosmology [2][4][5] Group 1: Conceptual Framework - The title "The Extreme of the World" and the subtitle "World Hub" represent the same issue expressed in different contexts, with "extreme" and "hub" being synonymous in ancient cosmology [4] - The concept of "extreme" encompasses both center and boundary, indicating a dual significance in the historical context of the book [5] - The transformation of the "world hub" concept reflects a continuous pursuit of a unified cosmological view, akin to the ancient idea of "Heaven and Humanity as One" [4][5] Group 2: Historical Context - Gao Bo identifies three cosmological crises in Chinese history, particularly noting the shift in understanding from a fixed cosmological order to one characterized by change and variability during the Tang and Song dynasties [6][7] - The discovery of celestial phenomena and geographical changes during the Tang and Song periods led to a new understanding of the cosmos, challenging previous notions of a stable universe [6][7] - The transition from a fixed cosmological perspective to one that acknowledges change is seen as a critical development in Chinese thought [6][7] Group 3: Modern Implications - The introduction of the infinite universe theory and heliocentrism in modern times posed significant challenges to traditional cosmological views, leading to a crisis in the ancient understanding of the universe [7][8] - The perception of an infinite universe, with its vast temporal and spatial dimensions, disrupts the balance of the triadic relationship between Heaven, Earth, and Humanity [8][9] - The evolution of the concept of "world hub" can be interpreted as a historical narrative of the decline of the traditional cosmological order, with implications for contemporary thought [17][18] Group 4: Cultural Exchange - The interaction between Chinese and Western cosmological ideas during the late Qing period reflects a broader cultural exchange, where Western scientific advancements were integrated into Chinese thought [15][16] - The revival of Buddhist cosmological concepts in the late Qing influenced the understanding of Western cosmology among Chinese intellectuals, leading to a unique synthesis of ideas [21][22] - The notion of a shared fate between East and West emerged, as thinkers like Liao Ping and Kang Youwei sought to reconcile traditional Chinese values with modern Western concepts [15][16]