精神 (jīngshén), meaning “spirit,” “mind,” or “essence,” is a word with deep roots in Chinese thought and language. Its original writing structure reflects a fascinating blend of concrete imagery and abstract concepts:

• 精 (jīng): This character originally depicted refined rice (米) with three shining dots (representing purity or essence) above it. It conveys the idea of something refined, purified, or essential. Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass “essence,” “vitality,” “semen,” and “skillful.”

• 神 (shén): This character is more complex and its original meaning is debated, but it generally relates to the divine or supernatural. One interpretation suggests it depicts lightning (申) descending from the heavens (示), representing a divine manifestation. Another sees it as depicting an altar (示) with offerings of food (申), signifying communication with the spiritual realm. Regardless of the specific interpretation, “神” evokes a sense of awe, mystery, and power beyond the ordinary.

Therefore, combining these two components, “精神” literally suggests the “refined essence of the divine” or the “vital force of the spirit.” It encompasses the intangible aspects of human existence, including thoughts, emotions, consciousness, and willpower.

Evolution of the character:

While pinpointing the exact original forms in oracle bone script can be difficult, the evolution of “精” and “神” shows a consistent link to their core meanings:

• Bronze script: In this stage, the characters were more pictographic, with “精” clearly showing the rice and “神” depicting the lightning or altar.
• Small seal script: The characters became more stylized, but the essential elements remained recognizable.
• Regular script: The regular script standardized the forms we use today, preserving the visual connection to their original meanings.

“精神” beautifully illustrates how Chinese characters can encapsulate profound philosophical concepts. It highlights the Chinese view of the human spirit as a refined essence connected to a larger, more mysterious reality.