Why did Qin Shi Huang Yingzheng use "I" to call himself, and you will understand if you take apart the word "I".
In the long history of ancient China, Qin Shi Huang was undoubtedly a controversial monarch. In addition to his remarkable achievements in politics and domination and his unique means of rule, he also used it in a striking way – to use"I"Self-titled, different from the honorific titles usually adopted by other ancient emperors. This has inspired many scholars to study the deeper meaning behind it. What was the reason that prompted Qin Shi Huang to choose to"I"What about self-proclaimed?
The reason why Qin Shi Huang chose to"I"Self-proclaimed, there are indeed certain historical reasons and deep-seated connotations in it. In ancient Chinese characters,"I"The radical is"boat", indicating the meaning of the ship. This has a certain connection and consistency with the historical background of Qin Shi Huang's unification of the world. His war of unification can be likened to a huge ship that closely links scattered nations and peoples together to form a vast empire.
Therefore, Qin Shi Huang chose to:"I"Self-proclaimed, can be seen as an expression of his ambition and vision for the status of emperor. He hoped that he would be like a ship, leading the country and his subjects to realize the ideal of universal harmony. "I"The meaning of connection and unity contained in the word symbolizes that he unifies the various scattered tribes, regions and nationalities to achieve overall harmony and stability. This self-proclaimed way folded Qin Shi Huang's firm belief in the great cause of unification, as well as his historical mission and responsibility as emperor.
During the reign of Qin Shi Huang,"I"The meaning of the word gradually evolved"Lead by example"meaning. Qin Shi Huang to"I"The self-proclaimed name is not only to emphasize his unique position as a monarch, but also to imply that he demonstrates and guides his subjects through his words and deeds.
Qin Shi Huang was an ambitious monarch who worked to build a strong and centralized state. He was keenly aware that the duty of a monarch was not only to rule and administer the country, but also to set a high example and have a positive influence on the thoughts and actions of his subjects.
By using"I"Claiming to be, Qin Shi Huang expected to be a model for his subjects to learn from Xi and emulate. He demanded that he display an image of high morality, wise decision-making, and efficient governance in order to show the demeanor of a great monarch. His self-exemplary philosophy is reflected in his words and deeds, in his policymaking, and in his statecraft.
Eventually, Qin Shi Huang used"I"The self-proclaimed name also reflects his idea of imperial power and his idea of rule. After successfully unifying the world, he implemented a bold and comprehensive policy of centralization, aimed at keeping the power and authority of the state firmly in the hands of the emperor. By using"I"Claiming to have asserted his supremacy and authority as emperor, he expressed complete control over state power.
In ancient times, in addition to adopting"I"In addition to self-proclaim, ancient emperors also had other ways of calling themselves. One of the common ones is to use"Lonely"Word. The origins of this self-proclaimed style can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn period"Lonely"The meaning of the reference is:"Isolated and helpless people"。In those times, monarchs were burdened with heavy responsibilities and had to take on many important decisions on their own, therefore"Lonely"It gradually became the self-idiomatic language of the emperors.
Lonely"The use of words reflects the loneliness of ancient monarchs in their reigns. As the supreme ruler, the emperor was left alone to deal with the country's major affairs and challenges, unable to share the pressures and hardships they were undergoing with ordinary people. In addition, the loneliness of the monarch in power and position also prompted them to choose"Lonely"to highlight their unique identity and sense of isolation in the process of governing the country.
This way of addressing also echoes the self-awareness of the ancient emperors and the spirit of dedication to the country. They consciously shoulder the responsibilities of the country and the people, are willing to bear the pressure alone, and bravely shoulder heavy burdens for the prosperity and stability of the country. use"Lonely"The self-proclaimed emperors demonstrated their determination and sacrifice to win the respect and support of their subjects.
It is worth noting, however, that not all emperors adopted it"Lonely"The word is self-proclaimed. Depending on the historical period and personal preferences, emperors may have chosen different ways of calling themselves in order to show their unique style and meaning of rule. Each of these names carries a specific historical and cultural background that deepens our understanding of ancient imperial power and social systems.
Ancient emperors also had another common way of calling themselves, which was to use"Widowed"to call yourself. The title stems from the ancient Chinese tradition of humility. "Widowed"The original meaning of the word refers to someone who is not good enough in terms of morality. Despite the exalted status of the emperor and his position above all the peoples, by using"Widowed"With this title, they expressed humility to their subjects.
use"Widowed"The self-proclaimed emperors wanted to emphasize that they were not perfect, but rather that they were lacking and in need of continuous improvement. This way of calling oneself reflects the importance that ancient China placed on the value of humility. Ancient societies emphasized that kings should treat their people with humility, acknowledge their own shortcomings, and use this as an example for their subjects. Through"Widowed"Claiming to be, the emperors expressed self-scrutiny of moral standards and humility towards the country and its people.
In addition, the self-proclaimed "widows" also have a certain political purpose. By declaring moral shortcomings, emperors were able to alleviate fears of excessive centralization of power. This kind of self-deprecating statement helps to balance the relationship between the ruler and the ruled, reduce contradictions and pressures, and better maintain social order and stability.
It is worth noting that the use of the self-term "widow" was relatively infrequently, mainly in early historical periods. Over time, the way of calling oneself has evolved and changed. Monarchs in different historical periods may choose different ways to refer to themselves in order to show their personal characteristics, ruling style, and political consciousness that keeps pace with the times. Each of these self-proclaimed forms reflects, to some extent, the complexity and cultural diversity of the ancient Chinese monarchy.
During the period of the ancient monarchs, the emperor enjoyed a sacred and inviolable status, so only the emperor could use the name "I" to refer to himself. This unique way of calling himself demonstrated the supremacy and authority of the emperor, and the common people did not dare to use this word lightly. The story behind this reveals the profound charm and wisdom of ancient Chinese culture.
Ancient Chinese culture is rich in symbols and connotations, and each title contains a profound meaning. Emperors who use the word "朕" to refer to themselves not only emphasize their authority and status, but also reflect their responsibilities and missions as rulers. The use of this word signifies that the emperor is the symbol of the country, and they want to lead by example and set an example for the whole country.
The charm of ancient Chinese culture lies in its profound connotation and rich metaphorical expression. Behind a simple title is the crystallization of the wisdom of the ancients, and this cultural tradition not only shaped the political pattern and system of ancient society, but also profoundly influenced people's way of thinking and values.
Today, through the exploration of the ways in which ancient emperors claimed themselves, we can appreciate more deeply the treasures of ancient Chinese culture. These self-designations reflect the unique characteristics of ancient monarchies, while at the same time demonstrating the wisdom and thoughtfulness of the ancients in governing the country. We should cherish these historical legacies, draw wisdom from them, pass on the best traditions, and make the charm of ancient culture shine with new brilliance today.