孔子（前551—前479）所提出的《诗经》的四种主要功能，实际也是对文学基本功能与价值的高度概括。“兴”是指通过作品的欣赏引发联想，激发欣赏者对于社会人生的思考与志趣提升；“观”是通过作品认识自然与社会人生的各种状况，透视政治得失；“群”是围绕作品与别人展开讨论，交流思想感情；“怨”是表达对社会时政的不满，宣泄内心的情感。这四种功能有着内在的联系，涉及文学的审美功能、认识功能与教育功能。后世学者对此不断有新的阐发。
《诗》可以兴，可以观，可以群，可以怨；迩之事父，远之事君；多识于鸟、兽、草、木之名。（《论语·阳货》）（《诗经》可以感发志向，引发思考，认识世界，可以交流思想感情，表达不满情绪。在家可以用它来侍奉父母，出外可以用它来侍奉国君，还可以从中学到鸟兽草木等众多事物的知识。）
于所兴而可观，其兴也深；于所观而可兴，其观也审；以其群者而怨，怨愈不忘；以其怨者而群，群乃益挚。（王夫之《姜斋诗话》卷一）（经过作者感兴后的作品又具备认识价值，那么这种感兴一定深刻；经过认识又能够激发情感的，那么这种认识一定真实明察；因为聚在一起而产生某种怨恨，那么这种怨恨更加使人难忘；因为某种怨恨而聚成群体，这样的群体一定会更加紧密。）
Stimulation, Contemplation, Communication, and Criticism
According to Confucius（551-479BC）, The Book of Songs served these four purposes, which summarize the basic functions and values of literature. “Stimulation” means that the appreciation of literary works arouses imagination, stimulates reflection on society and life, and inspires aspirations and interests. “Contemplation” means that reading leads to understanding nature, society, life, and politics. “Communication” means that reading encourages discussion with others, and exchange of thoughts and feelings. “Criticism” means learning how to critically express oneself about state affairs and voice inner feelings. These four functions are closely associated and involve the aesthetic, cognitive, and educational functions of literature. Later scholars have continued to make original contributions to the study of these themes.
The Book of Songs stimulates the mind, inspires contemplation, enables one to understand society, exchange feelings and thoughts with others, and express resentment. The book guides one on how to support and wait on one’s parents at home and how to serve one’s sovereign in public life. One can also learn about birds, beasts, and plants from the book. (The Analects)
If works created on the basis of the author’s understanding have the value of cognition, his understanding must have been profound. If his feelings are based on recognition, his observation must have been sharp. If certain resentment arises from discussions among a group of people, it must be unforgettable. If a group of people have come together because they share certain resentment, they must be closely knit. (Wang Fuzhi: Desultory Remarks on Poetry from Ginger Studio)
“中华思想文化术语”凝聚了中国数千年文明的智慧和思想结晶，以上内容转自中华思想文化术语传播网（www.chinesethought.cn），助力中华思想文化术语传播工程的发展和推广，传播好中国声音，讲好中国故事，让世界更多了解中国国情、历史和文化。
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