 In order to know the dao-in-history, one had to examine the entire course of history. Recent history revealed the recent Way, and ancient history shed light on the ancient one. Consequently, Zhang promoted the study of current history and the development of an awareness of “valuing the institutions of the current ruler”. Learning involved investigations of the existing institutions closely connected to human relations and daily utility. No matter how advanced scholarship on the ancient past was, without knowing the present, it would be “inappropriate for practical application” (WSTY: 53).