Introduction:
In ancient Chinese society, most people were illiterate and illiteracy was widespread. In the 80s of the 19th century, the literacy rate of men in the Qing Dynasty was only 30%-45%, and even lower for women, only 2%-10%. However, China's literacy rate has now reached more than 95 percent. This reflects the widespread illiteracy in feudal society. The cultural essence of ancient China, such as the Book of Songs, the Analects, the Historical Records and other great works, were "shelved" by the society. Ordinary people are ignorant, bathed in superstition and ethical bondage, unable to control their own destiny.
The problem of illiteracy in ancient societies was widespread
The problem of illiteracy in ancient Chinese society was deep-rooted and widespread. The vast majority of the population is illiterate, and their knowledge of knowledge, culture and the world is very limited. This has led to a lack of autonomy in their lives and their inability to participate in social and political affairs. Ordinary people are unable to understand or evaluate objective facts, so they are susceptible to the influence of religion and belief in immortals, as well as to the ethical constraints of rulers and families. This state of illiteracy limits their space for thinking and acting.
In ancient times, illiteracy was closely related to social status. People with very low literacy rates are often seen as the underclass, denied access to education, knowledge and advancement in society. Conversely, people with culture and education are more likely to gain the favor of the ruler because they can provide support and wisdom to the ruler. This unequal social status has led to social divisions, leaving illiterate people in a difficult position in the social system.
The problem of illiteracy in antiquity was also reflected in religious beliefs. Due to a lack of knowledge and critical thinking skills, many illiterate people are susceptible to religious and immortal beliefs. They are superstitious about various gods and rituals, hoping to obtain good luck and protection through prayers and sacrifices. This blind religiosity causes them to lose their way in life and to truly understand their existence and purpose.
Ethical bondage and social status
The ethics of ancient Chinese society often placed the individual under authority. The ethical relationship between the monarch and the minister, father and son, makes it impossible for the individual to be his own master, but to be subject to the decisions of others. The power of a king can decide the life and death of a courtier, and the words of a parent can determine the life of a child. This bondage leads to the vast majority of people living cautious, humble lives, and without hope for the future. Their fate is in the hands of others and cannot be changed.
The typical embodiment of ethical bondage is the family concept of feudal society. The patriarchal system is strict, and children must obey their parents' arrangements and have no right to choose their own path in life. Parents' expectations and decisions often determine the trajectory of a child's marriage, career, and life. This ethical system restricts the freedom and independence of individuals and prevents them from pursuing their dreams and happiness.
In addition, social status is often closely linked to the Code of Ethics. In ancient China, social status was strictly fixed and basically impossible to change. The aristocracy and rulers enjoyed privileges, while the common people could only survive at the bottom of society. This inequality of social status exacerbates ethical constraints and makes it even more difficult for ordinary people to escape the grip of authority.
The path to awakening and the independence of man
China's awakening process has undergone a long historical evolution. Events such as the invasion of the Western powers, the Restoration Movement, and the May Fourth Movement prompted the Chinese to gradually realize their existence as independent individuals. The victories of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea further strengthened the Chinese's sense of independence and self-determination. With the progress of reform and opening up, China has achieved economic rise, a stable social environment, and the common people gradually enjoy more dignity and freedom. Human dignity and independence and freedom have become the core values of society, transcending the religious beliefs and ethical constraints of the past. The Chinese began to believe in their own strength and pursue knowledge, freedom and independence.
The process of awakening involves not only political and social dimensions, but also culture and education. With the reform of the education system, more and more people have access to education and improve literacy rates. The dissemination of knowledge is no longer limited to the privileged, and ordinary people can also acquire knowledge, understand the world, and participate in social and political affairs. This awakening freed people from the shackles of illiteracy and ethical shackles and began to pursue their dreams and goals.
Conclusion:
In ancient China, widespread illiteracy and ethical bondage limited the development and happiness of the common people. However, as history evolved, the Chinese gradually woke up and pursued freedom, independence and knowledge. This process of awakening was long and difficult, but it changed the face of Chinese society, allowing people to break free from the shackles of the past and pursue a more autonomous life. The meaning of sunning roots and swallowing yang may be understood as that sunning roots represent the process of people's pursuit of knowledge and emancipating their minds, while swallowing yang represents the desire to pursue freedom and independence. This old proverb reminds us that only through constant awakening and hard work can we truly have the ability to bask in the roots and swallow the sun, take control of our own destiny, and move towards a brighter future.