Why did China need a scholar in ancient times?

In the history of China, the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period were the most brilliant times in thought and culture, with stars shining. During this period, there appeared an unprecedented academic situation in which hundred schools of thought was clean and difficult to compete with each other, which occupied an important position in the history of China's thought development. This period became an important period of great integration of hundred schools of thought's political and academic thoughts in the history of China.

During this period, the social structure changed rapidly, the social contradictions were extremely sharp, the merger wars continued one after another, and the cultural thoughts were unprecedentedly active. Most of China's great thinkers appeared in this era, which constituted the essence and foundation of Chinese civilization.

in this period, an important phenomenon is the emergence and activity of intellectuals-the "scholar" class.

how did the "scholar" class come into being? During the Western Zhou Dynasty, schools were all government-owned. "Zhou Li" clearly stipulates that "the ancients learn from the government." Historians at that time were both government officials and school teachers. Mr. Zhang Xuecheng said: "In the heyday of the three generations, the knowledge of the heavenly factory was all based on officials, and Zhou Guan was 36. The knowledge of heaven and man was prepared." What we are talking about is the situation of "learning in the government". That is, in the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties, the government completely controlled the school, so learning must take officials as teachers, and all kinds of knowledge should be learned from the officials in charge of the government. For example, to study law, "Zhou Li Di Guan" records that "being subjected to law by Stuart". That is, learn the law from the official of Stuart. However, not everyone can go to school to study, only the children of princes and nobles are eligible. Ordinary people can't master cultural knowledge. When Zhou Ping moved to the east, the status of the son of heaven declined, resulting in a situation of "bad manners and bad music". Some "Wang Guan" scattered into the vassal states, while others were scattered among the people. The breaking of the situation of "learning in the government" made private schools flourish, and the admission conditions changed greatly in the Western Zhou Dynasty. For example, the private schools run by Confucius advocated "teaching without distinction", and the objects of education were regardless of rank, as long as students gave him "a bunch of bacon" as tuition fees. In this way, the scope of educated people has been greatly expanded, so there are more learned people. These people are so-called "scholars". The composition of "Shi" is very complicated. They belong to all classes. A scholar can be recommended to hold an official position. Many people with economic foundation abandon agriculture to become scholars, and the development of private schools provides this condition.

the activity of the "scholar" class was closely related to the prevailing trend of "cultivating scholars" in society at that time. In the Spring and Autumn Period, "cultivating scholars" began, and it was more popular in the Warring States Period. In addition to strengthening their own strength in politics, economy, military and other aspects, governors or doctors need to rely on the strength of the earth in order to compete in the Central Plains and unify China, so they have "cultivated scholars" and formed a social atmosphere. For example, in the late Spring and Autumn Period, Tian Chang of the State of Qi was kind to "scholars" as early as in Qi Jinggong. For every cow killed, only one bean (four liters) of meat is taken, and the rest is used for food. At the end of each year, Tian Chang only takes "two systems", that is, two pieces of cloth and silk, and gives the rest to "scholars" to make clothes. Another example is Wei Wenhou Cao Xian Li Shi in the early Warring States Period, surrounded by a large number of intellectuals. In the mid-Warring States period, when Qi Weiwang and Xuanwang were in, they went to the West Gate of Linzi, the capital city, to recruit scholars from all over the world, where they gave lectures, wrote books and talked about state affairs. Later, the "Four Childes", namely, Meng Changjun of Qi, Xinlingjun of Wei, Ping Yuanjun of Zhao and Chunshenjun of Chu, had thousands of "nurturing scholars". In the late Warring States period, there were also "3, diners" in Lv Buwei, Qin State, most of whom were skilled. Many outstanding figures in the "scholars" were reused, and even became ministers, such as Shang Yang and Wu Qi, and their academic activities were encouraged and funded.

In addition, at that time, the vassal countries were committed to enriching Qiang Bing, and it was also closely related to adopting a loose policy on academic research. Especially during the Warring States period, various vassal states often adopted a tolerant policy towards scholars and allowed academic freedom. This created favorable conditions for scholars to write books and express their personal opinions, which greatly promoted the ideological emancipation in the Warring States period.

Jixia Xuegong, the main base where a hundred schools of thought contend, is the most typical example.

During the Warring States Period, due to the developed economy, enlightened politics and good cultural policies, the kings of Qi gave the scholars generous material treatment. It attracted almost all the famous schools of thought at that time to gather under Ji Xia. Jixia Xuegong has become an extremely eye-catching academic place where a hundred schools of thought contend. And made the vassal countries envious, and imitated them one after another, almost without exception, and became a model at that time.

The history of the establishment and rise and fall of Jixia Xuegong is basically consistent with Tian Qi's regime. It rises and falls with Tian Qi's strength. The common view in academic circles is that it was founded in the period of Qi Huangong and Tian Wu, the second generation monarch, after Tian replaced the Jiang family and seized the state power of Qi. It developed in Qi Weiwang period and flourished in Qi Xuanwang period. Decline in the period of King Qi Min; ZTE was in the period of King Xiang of Qi; Died in qi Wang Jian, Qin destroyed qi. It has existed for about 15 years, but it has a far-reaching impact on future generations until today.

Since Jixia Xuegong was founded by Tian Qi Dynasty, the direct reason is that politics is a necessity. After Tian's replacement of Qi, all the monarchs in the past dynasties made great efforts to make their country strong and try their best to dominate the princes. Ji Xia's bachelor is to create public opinion, design blueprints and draw up laws and regulations for the political needs of Tian Qi's kings. Objectively, it is also to meet the political needs of Tian Qi's rule. Therefore, Jixia Xuegong is first and foremost a think tank institution. Secondly, it is to show off national strength, flaunt respect for sages and attract talents. This has created a superior political environment for academic exchange, cultural communication and a hundred schools of thought contend. Therefore, Jixia Xuegong has the nature of the Academy of Social Sciences.

"talking without treatment" is one of the main characteristics of Ji Xia's bachelor's activities, which embodies the distinct political nature of academic officials. "Not cured", that is, "not in office". Although he has the title of a doctor, he is not only in the actual position. "Discussion" is to discuss current politics, state affairs, and strategies to control chaos, and provide decision-making basis for Tian Qi rulers to realize the function of a think tank. Their discussion of current affairs is to criticize the political activities of Tian Qi's rulers and make reference suggestions for decision-making in a relaxed and free political atmosphere. There are no or few cases where A Yu leads the way and flatters, and all the opinions and suggestions are frank and outspoken.

At the same time, Mr. Ji Xia and his scholars of various schools made use of the good environment and conditions provided by Qi State to concentrate on discussions, contend with each other, learn from each other's strengths, enrich and develop the theories of their respective schools, and promote the great integration of China culture. During this period, a large number of works of different schools were produced, some of which were enriched and supplemented under Ji Xia. There are Huang Lao School, Confucianism, Legalism, Yin Yang School and so on. "History of Han, Art and Literature" records some of Mr. Ji Xia's works. And Mr. Ji Xia, a famous scholar of various schools, often comes with his disciples. Mr. Ji Xia and famous scholars of various schools preached, taught and dispelled doubts in Xuegong, and cultivated many people. Xunzi, for example, came here to study at the age of 15 and later became an academic master under Ji Xia. Mencius, on the other hand, gave lectures in Qi twice for 3 years and was awarded Shangqing. According to Records of Historian Tian Jingzhong's Complete Family, there were "hundreds of dry people" in Qi Xuanwang's Jixia Academy, and there were many successful people in his household. For some accomplished talents, they are often employed by Qi as officials at all levels and directly participate in the political activities of Qi State, which is recorded in Qi Ce.

Liu Xiang recorded in Bielu that: There is a millet gate, and the gate is also. People who talk and talk will meet under the millet. "This refers to the regular academic meetings of scholars of various schools. At the regular meeting, each school recommended the representatives of their school, expounded their academic views and political opinions, and refuted the schools that disagreed with them. In fact, this is to provide opportunities for academic exchanges and contention among various schools, so as to better enrich and develop their theories and gain political attention. However, the topics they contend for are very wide, ranging from the simplicity of different academic views to the elaboration of different political opinions and the thinking of the mysteries of the universe. Jixia Xuegong is the main garden where a hundred schools of thought contend in the Warring States Period, and this kind of academic report meeting is the concentrated expression of a hundred schools of thought contend.

The academic policies adopted by Wei in the early Warring States period, the study of Xihe in Qi in the middle of the Warring States period, and Lv Buwei in the late Warring States period compiled Lv's Spring and Autumn Annals with 3, people were all tolerant. Scholars were treated very well in various countries, especially in the reign of King Wei and Xuanwang of Qi State, which was the academic and cultural center at that time and the birthplace of a hundred schools of thought. Although Tian Qi's regime advocated the study of Huang Lao, it did not crowd out and attack scholars from all walks of life, but was inclusive and received courtesy. Scholars are free to give lectures, write books and discuss political affairs at will. For example, Mencius, a master of Confucianism, has different political views from Qi Weiwang and Xuanwang, but both of them have been paid attention to in Xiaxue Palace, and their salary is quite high. Qi Xuanwang repeatedly asked Yuzi about politics, and even asked Mencius for advice on major decisions like Qi cutting Yan. Later, Mencius left the State of Qi because of their political disagreements. However, Qi Xuanwang tried his best to keep him, saying, "If he wants to China, he will grant Mencius a room and raise his disciples for 1, minutes", that is, he intends to build a house for Mencius and fund his school.

Due to the tolerant policy of the princes in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, they were allowed to "stay together but not go". Scholars, like free birds, can "choose the wood and cross the road", thus promoting the flow of talents in various countries. For example, Shang Yang was not reused in Wei Dynasty. I heard that Qin Xiaogong "widely asked for sages in the country", so he went to Qin in the west, sought audience with Qin Xiaogong, and finally entrusted him with an important task. Another example is Zou Yan, a native of Qi State, who studied in the imperial palace and was among the top doctors. He was dissatisfied with the tyranny of King Jitao and went to Yan to become the teacher of Yan Zhaowang. In the reign of King Xiang of Qi, Zou Yan returned to Qiaoxia Xuegong, and in the reign of King Jian of Qi, he was an envoy of the State of Qi to Zhao without being criticized. Another example is that Wuqi once served as an official in countries such as Shandong, Wei and Chu in his life. Whenever he was framed, he voted for another leader. There are many similar examples. The historical environment of the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period created favorable conditions for the formation of a hundred schools of thought and the emergence of the situation of "a hundred schools of thought contend".

In the environment of academic freedom, Mr. Ye Xia dared to break the traditional ideological shackles, and the spirit of exploration and innovation was carried forward, which greatly promoted the academic development. Therefore, works of various schools have sprung up like mushrooms after rain. Various viewpoints coexist, and various tit-for-tat debates occur from time to time, which forms an academic prosperity scene of "a hundred schools of thought contend"