The na ve understanding of politics by ancient writers

Mondo Culture Updated on 2024-01-29

Ancient writers often seemed too naïve about politics. Writers within the system may be demoted for speaking out, and writers outside the system may even pay with their lives for the intensity of their rhetoric. Even if they are marginalized, it is a good death for them. Why were ancient writers so naïve about politics?

In the era when the scholar group was dominant, the emperor could be hereditary, and the scholar was an official for generations, while the folk scholars could often only look at the official and sigh, and they had no chance to be rich. At this time, if the literati wanted to do scholarship and create their own doctrines, they had to lobby and persuade the princes of all walks of life to adopt their views. Even if the princes did not adopt it, it would not pose a direct danger to them. At that time, most of the theories advocated had the attribute of governing the country, and both Confucianism and Legalism pursued the way of governance, but the route was different. The Taoists did not advocate that the princes adopt their own doctrines, and even if they did, they would pursue "rule by inaction", which was inadequate and almost ineffective in actual governance. Folk intellectuals, on the other hand, are eager to create sects, promote their own doctrines, and become the founders of a certain sect. As soon as their doctrine was adopted by the princes or emperors, they immediately became the founders of the sect and became famous, passed down from generation to generation, and enjoyed preferential treatment. The Grand Master can not only become a national teacher, but also his descendants can also enter the system as officials and enjoy all kinds of superior conditions.

However, the intellectuals of the time were apparently too naïve to understand what the princes really needed. What the princes yearn for is the land and the people, not the abstract benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and faith, let alone the harsh punishment and strict law. Even like the Mo family's city defense technology, although it is practical, it is not passed on, even if the princes know about it, they will not fully adopt it. The princes had heavy troops in their hands and were not afraid to deal with the invading enemy, so they naturally did not easily follow the advice of intellectuals to govern the country. They have their own laws, can make laws, have the power of life and death within their fiefdoms, and are almost emperors of the soil. However, the intellectuals left behind a wealth of doctrines that became representatives of the prose of the time. These ideas are transmitted through the written word, but not through the power of power. After all, most of these ideas are full of openness, and some are even deeply rooted in people-oriented thinking, which is not to the liking of the princes.

Nowadays, with the promotion of globalization, the relationship between countries is getting closer and closer, and it has become the trend of the times for China and Mongolia to work together for mutual benefit and win-win results. Looking at the past and facing the future, the border between China and Mongolia should not be a barrier, but a bridge to connect hearts and minds and promote exchanges. From economic cooperation to cultural exchanges to environmental protection, the two countries have broad space for cooperation. In the journey of the new era, let us remember history and take this opportunity to open a new chapter. Through unremitting efforts and sustained dialogue, this border line that once witnessed suffering and conflict will be transformed into a path connecting friendship and hope for the future. May the people of China and Mongolia join hands and write a more splendid and magnificent chapter of common development

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