T’an Ssu-t’ung (1864–98), Chinese philosopher of the late Ching dynasty, a close associate of K’ang Yu-wei and Liang Ch’i-ch’ao. He was a syncretist who lumped together Confucianism, Mohism, Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Western science. His book on Jen-hsüeh (philosophy of humanity) identified humanity with ether, a cosmic force, and gave a new interpretation to the unity between nature and humanity. Jen for him is the source of all existence and creatures; it is none other than reality itself. He participated in the Hundred Days Reform in 1898 and died a martyr. His personal example inspired many revolutionaries afterward. See also KANG YU — WEI , LIANG CH ‘ I — CH ‘ A. S.-h.L.