The Chinese civilization is one of the oldest in the world. According to some Chinese scientists, its age may be about five thousand years. Ancient China is known for its unique culture, which in many respects has not changed much even now. Many things of everyday life, such as paper money, silk, dumplings, came to the modern world from ancient China. Thanks to the efforts of wise and legendary rulers, the mighty empire has been continuously developing for thousands of years. Goujian, the ruler of the Yue Kingdom, was one of the most memorable and famous characters of the Chunqiu period. Sometimes he is called the personification of the strategy of the Warring Kingdoms, which is why his personality is so interesting for researchers.
Mencius was a great Chinese thinker whose wise teachings are relevant to this day. From an early age, the philosopher believed that it is necessary to educate its inhabitants to save the Chinese Empire. Perhaps he would have felt a deep respect for Goujian because of his strength of spirit and character. Goujian never let his body and mind rest, so he fought against drowsiness with the sharp smell of knotweed. When the soles of his feet froze, he dipped them into even colder water to not lose heart (Cohen and Gillis 8). On the other hand, Mencius believed that a person is inherently kind, that his main qualities are justice, humanity, and a sense of duty. Thus, Mencius would not have approved of Goujian ‘s desire to take revenge on the ruler of a neighboring kingdom who captured him because revenge is contrary to the ideals of mercy.
Mozi was a famous ancient Chinese philosopher who developed the doctrine of universal, impartial love. His dogmas were based on the ideals of love and mutual respect. Most likely, he would disapprove of Goujian ‘s foreign policy based on aggression and conquest since Mozi himself was a pacifist. Probably, Mozi would have tried to convince Goujian of the destructive nature of a war of win with a neighboring state. Also, the famous philosopher would have approved of the ruler’s policy of austerity since he advocated saving in spending and giving up senseless luxury (Cohen and Gillis 8). Probably, Mozi would have advised the ruler to forget about the revenge and resentment that tormented him for many years and focus on the welfare of the population.
Zhuangzi was one of the founders of Taoism, a philosophical movement that teaches peace and freedom. Taoism is based on following the natural law of unlimited freedom. A follower of Taoism lives in poverty and walks by himself; he is a sage who observes the world and strives for unity with nature. It can be said that Goujian was a hostage of the thirst for revenge and the destruction of the state, whose ruler had captured him once. He was obsessed with this idea, year after year asking his advisers if it was time to go to war with his neighbors (Cohen and Gillis 20). Perhaps Zhuangzi would not have approved such a fixation on one thing since such a thing would not help overcome the limitations of one’s ideas, as the teaching required. On the other hand, the long-awaited revenge finally freed Goujian and must have brought him happiness and peace.
Sunzi was a talented Chinese general, strategist, writer, and philosopher. He is considered the author of The Art of War, a work devoted to military strategy, which greatly influenced military thinking. It is important to note that his results are more devoted to alternatives to battle, such as cunning, waiting, the use of spies, and deception. Sunzi would probably approve of Goujian ‘s military policy and his desire to seize neighboring territories. He would have respected Goujian ‘s military stratagem when he ordered the criminals to come out in the front ranks and cut their throats on command to intimidate the enemy. Moreover, he would approve of the endurance of Goujian, who was not broken, but only hardened by the humiliation in captivity (Cohen and Gillis 11). Probably, Sunzi would also approve of the fact that, before attacking a neighboring state, Goujian had been cajoling it for a long time to strike a swift blow eventually.
For thousands of years, China has developed a cautious selection of advisers and professional administration. For the Chinese, public service was an honorable matter, which should be taken with great seriousness. People dreamed of getting a position under the ruler, believing that this path would lead them to respect and prosperity. A candidate for a state position had to demonstrate his professional skills in public examinations. It should be mentioned that social status and monetary wealth did not affect the opportunity to take a position in any way. The advisers played a significant role in the political life of the Chinese Empire. They supported the ruler, gave recommendations, a fresh look at any problem. They were educated, intelligent people with a broad outlook and extensive life experience. It is possible to say that the rulers made many historically essential decisions under the influence of their close advisers.
Goujian also had close advisers, on whose opinion he relied in many ways. They did not abandon him even in the most challenging situations and always supported him with wise advice. His advisers – loyal and educated people – were apprehensive about the country’s fate and largely determined the future policy. They also were responsible people who cared about the welfare of their ruler and the nation. Many of Goujian’s decisions were ill-considered and hasty, but his advisers managed to guide him on the right path, which eventually made Goujian an influential and powerful ruler. The advisers were of great value to Goujian, as they could look at the situation from the outside and offer the most reasonable solution. They could cope with Goujian’s thirst for revenge and direct his anger in the right direction. It is evident that behind great rulers, there are always wise, talented, and forward-thinking advisers.
Work Cited
Cohen, Paul A., and John R. Gillis. Speaking to History: The Story of King Goujian in Twentieth-Century China. 1st ed., University of California Press, 2009. JSTOR.