It is true that Qin Shihuang's political personality has its dissolute and violent side, and Li Si and others also have despicable and obscene behaviors. However, it was these specific people who created the great achievements of that era. Not to mention the evaluation of "one emperor through the ages", if the team of Qin Shihuang is compared with the teams of Emperor Gaozu, Emperor Guangwu of Han Dynasty, Emperor Taizong and Ming Taizu, it is not difficult to find that Qin Shihuang's team is not only slightly better in political strategy, military talent, internal coordination and political, military and diplomatic achievements.
Imagine: If the system of Qin State is more cruel, the rule of Qin State is more tyrannical, and the ruling group of Qin State is more wretched than the six eastern countries, can Qin Shihuang annihilate the heroes, realize reunification and enjoy the throne? After a little thinking, it is not difficult to draw a conclusion: only when the country's systems and policies are more reasonable can it become the first strength for a long time; Only when the relationship between monarch and minister is more coordinated and the relationship between monarch and people is more stable can the country become stronger and stronger; Only with better political wisdom can the ruling clique defeat its opponents in the political and military struggle of cutting off plots, breaking diplomatic relations and cutting off troops.
Unlike Emperor Gaozu, Emperor Guangwu of Han Dynasty, Emperor Taizong and Ming Taizu, Qin Shihuang faced not a collapsed dynasty, nor a group of heroes in troubled times, but a powerful country that had operated for hundreds of years, which was more or less difficult. As long as you read the historical records, you will find that the process of the six-nation unified war commanded by Qin Shihuang was so smooth that there were not many tortuous stories for historians to tell, and there were not many gains and losses for future generations to chew.
Apart from some mistakes in Chu's military arrangements (a little underestimating the enemy at first), Qin Shihuang's command and dispatch was almost impeccable. If there were no far-sighted kings and high-intelligence counselors in the temple, would Qin's army still be able to win thousands of miles without making mistakes? Can this be summarized as "dissolute and violent" and "despicable and wretched"? Only extraordinary talents can make extraordinary achievements, and "debauchery and violence" and "meanness and meanness" can only boast for a while, but they cannot create great achievements.
Generally speaking, among the emperors in China, Qin Shihuang's political talents can be classified as outstanding. He has two outstanding points: first, he is proficient in the "inaction" of legalists, good at selecting talents and controlling ministers. Second, pay attention to the construction of systems and regulations, and be good at governing the country by means of standardization, institutionalization and legalization.
Qin Shihuang was talented and received systematic cultural education and military and political training from an early age. Judging from his many words and deeds and political achievements, this man has a wide range of knowledge, high military, political and cultural qualities, dares to make decisions on major issues, and is good at using political skills. Otherwise, it will be difficult for him to organize a large-scale unified war and command it. He once read and praised Han Feizi, who was diligent in government affairs and read a lot of official documents every day. Without good intelligence and necessary knowledge, political experience alone can't do it.
It is easy for talented people to be self-righteous. Qin Shihuang is an example. After unifying the world, Qin Shihuang boasted of his talents and merits. "I thought that since ancient times, I can't touch myself." He repeatedly emphasized his "holiness" and "merit" in the stone carvings of Jigong in various places. In the discussion of the imperial court, people like to listen to compliments, and even prohibit criticism by abolishing posthumous title, burning poetry books, and forbidding the past for modern people. As a result, cleverness becomes cleverness, and it is the opposite of itself.
Looking through the historical documents of the Warring States, Qin and Han Dynasties, it is not difficult to find that this is an era of heroes. Many people dare to think, speak and do, be enterprising, pragmatic and resourceful, be good at planning, dare to do and dare to fight, and are not even ashamed of "recommending themselves" or "running their own streets". In history, there are endless stories about political reform, Khufu riding and shooting, vertical and horizontal cooperation, hanging beams and stabbing blood, self-recommendation, generous elegy, countermeasures to court, and outstanding achievements. Therefore, it is a spirit of the times to be ambitious, forge ahead and make utilitarian innovations. This spirit is consistent with the historical background of social change, political change, national contest, military struggle, national competition and individual competition.
As a political hero born in this era, Qin Shihuang is one of the typical representatives of pioneering spirit. He was brilliant, swept the six countries, unified the world, expanded the territory, and then built the Great Wall in the north and Lingqu in the south, opening up a road extending in all directions. He is still richer than the ancients, not afraid of change, making laws, creating systems and managing counties. Many of his works are unprecedented and many of his projects are unparalleled in the world.
Judging from the few existing cultural relics of the Qin Dynasty, its scale and momentum are unprecedented. No matter the grandeur of the Great Wall in Wan Li, the magnificence of Epang Palace, the imposing manner of the Mausoleum of Qin Dynasty, or the lineup of Terracotta Warriors and Horses, it is beyond the reach of future generations. Without strong dedication and fame, I'm afraid I can't even think about completing this series of achievements in just over ten years.
However, if it exceeds a certain limit, it will become overjoyed. On a whim, Qin Shihuang made a great event and even sent a large number of troops to look for the illusory immortal mountain. Historians commented that the politics of the Qin Dynasty was a historical phenomenon.
If you don't believe me, please look at Emperor Wu of Han Dynasty. He "killed Er Yue people in the south, attacked Korea in the east, chased Xiongnu in the north and cut Dawan in the west". He also built the Great Wall, the mausoleum and the fairy medicine, and had the same whimsy, so he had a big event and a big battle. This emperor who believes in Confucian benevolent policies can be called the second Qin Shihuang. Hundreds of years later, an emperor Yang Di appeared, which is both a blessing for all generations and a curse for the world. Their initiative has written a beautiful page for the Chinese nation in the ancient history of the world, and their great success has brought endless suffering to the people.
Their achievements are amazing, and their tyranny is outrageous.
Qin Shihuang is one of the famous diligent monarchs in history, so "greed for power" is inevitable. It is said that Qin Shihuang's "devoting himself to practicing pen and ink, breaking the prison by day, managing books at night and making decisions independently" is one of the stones of Rixian County. The official documents of the Qin Dynasty were all written on bamboo slips and wooden slips. Qin Shihuang did it himself and read many forms and notes every day. He ordered people to take one stone (120kg) from every Libra for all kinds of documents that need to be audited, and handle them in person before going to rest.
After the establishment of the Qin Dynasty, Qin Shihuang toured five times in ten years, covering more than half of China. This is a very hard thing in the age of dirt roads and cars.
Diligence is indeed closely related to greed. Diligence is the practical need of the "one-day opportunity" of state affairs, and its other purpose is to avoid being too arrogant and losing power. Whether diligent or greedy for power, as long as you are good at using the inaction of the monarch, you will handle government affairs in an orderly way. This was the case in the early days of Qin Shihuang's rule. However, clinging to power and "everything in the world depends on it" will inevitably lead to "both prime ministers and ministers are subject to success and depend on it." Diligence to this extent can only be regarded as greed for power. This phenomenon appeared in the later period of Qin Shihuang's rule.
In Historical Records of the First Qin Emperor, Warring States Policy and other existing historical materials, we can often see records such as "the wrath of the king of Qin", "the anger of the first emperor" and "replacing killing with punishment". Qin Shihuang's appearance and personality are like a strong and even rude person. Qin Shihuang was decisive, and "fortitude" was the basic and core characteristic of his personality.
Lu Sheng said: "The first emperor was a man, and sex was just violent for his own use." This statement comes from malicious attacks and is exaggerated. Those that are "just violent" are not necessarily "for personal use". In the digital decade, Qin Shihuang was "just violent" most of the time, not "for personal use". He is good at listening to all kinds of opinions, advocates arbitrariness, and often makes decisions with the wisdom and strategy of ministers. He respects the teacher, listens to his words, brainstorms, and is willing to work in a tutoring job.
All major political decisions are submitted to the DPRK parliament or ministers and counselors for consultation, and "arbitrary" is implemented on the basis of "listening". Under certain conditions, decisiveness can easily produce negative effects, that is, willfulness. Ying Zheng, who became the first emperor, often showed this mentality, which led to "the world is unheard of and arrogant, and the world falls and deceives".
In various documents of the Warring States, Qin and Han Dynasties, "Tiger Wolf" is preferred to describe Qin State, Qin people and Qin Jun. This is indeed a country and nation that is martial and strict in politics. No matter in essence or in system, Qin Shihuang's character was also characterized as "less kindness and more Tigerheart". A large number of facts show that there is no basis for saying that Qin Shihuang's nature is like a "tiger wolf". He can win over a group of capable ministers and warriors around him, which is something that Tigerheart can't do. This person still has the key to the skill of "gratitude". Commentators' arguments for "less kindness" are mainly based on "full-time prison officials", "the punishment for killing is a threat" and "it is unforgivable after a long time", which shows that "breaking kindness and righteousness" is mainly related to the legal system and the political model of the rule of law.
"Everything depends on the law" is bound to eliminate the tender and affectionate elements of the ethical and political model, which has a taste of "the law does not allow feelings".
This is the advantage of Qin politics. However, the combination of "resolute and vigorous" character, the ruling strategy of "water morality and yin killing", the ruling method of "relying on the law" and the contented mentality will inevitably lead to the opposite of the rule of law politics. Once the law is "urgent" and another harsh punishment is set, even killing innocent people indiscriminately, it will inevitably lead to "the world is afraid of sin and dare not be loyal." This is how the legal building of the Qin Dynasty collapsed.
Qin Shihuang knows how to repay kindness, and some behaviors can even be evaluated by "benevolence", which contains the character of retribution in his bones. The most typical example is to go to Handan and kill all your enemies. In fact, this is not so much that Qin Shihuang has a "heart of tigers and wolves" as a product of the combination of social customs and imperial power.
It should be pointed out that during the Spring and Autumn Period, the Warring States Period, the Qin and Han Dynasties, revenge prevailed, and "complaining and rewarding" was a social atmosphere. At that time, the history books recorded the revenge mentality and deeds of a large number of historical celebrities. Wu Zixu flogged King Chu Ping to avenge his father and brother; Sean begged the guests to assassinate Qin Huang and avenge the country.
According to the history books, Fan Ju, the prime minister of Qin Dynasty, is "the virtue of a meal must be rewarded, and the enemy of a game must be rewarded": Luan Bu's personality is "rewarded with kindness; If there is resentment, it must be eliminated by law. " The related records in Historical Records Biography of Rangers also reflect this world trend from different angles. The custom of "too direct hatred" prevailed in the Sanjin area where Qin Shihuang grew up as a child.
There are many reasons for this world trend, or from the ancient concept and habit of revenge by blood relatives; Or from loyalty and filial piety to loyalty to family, monarch, father and brother, friend and confidant, which is widely recognized by the public; Or fashion from Ren Xia. A strong sense of revenge and gratitude and strong self-esteem complement each other. At that time, people's self-esteem was very strong, and one of the concrete manifestations was that there were many examples of not being humiliated.
People generally can't accept that their country, monarch, parents, brothers, friends and themselves are despised, humiliated and wronged, even at the expense of "self-mutilation" or self-mutilation to get rid of humiliation. Naturally, many people stand up and fight for revenge, and stand by and watch. At that time, revenge was a custom and fashion, which had a far-reaching impact on the public's consciousness and behavior. Therefore, revenge for Zongguo, revenge for the Lord, revenge for parents, revenge for relatives and friends, revenge for children, revenge for people in bring disgrace to oneself, has been going on in history.
Qin Shihuang relied on the momentum of the victors and the power of the king's landing to kill enemies and even take revenge, which obviously did not belong to magnanimity, but was related to social customs. When analyzing his character, we have to consider the social and historical background and cultural customs at that time and simply think that he is a petty person. Judging from the way Qin Shihuang handled Wang Ba's assistants Reese, Liao Wei, Wang Jian and his ministers, he was quite generous politically. No, it's not enough to call it a generation of lean.
Some people say that Qin Shihuang was a good corporal, and some people say that Qin Shihuang worked for power. The most typical examples are Kang Liwei, Wang Jian, Li Lisi and Meng Tian. In fact, this is not surprising. As a ruling technique, Corporal Lixian and his related strategies have their own political factors. Many commentators like to quote Wang Jian's comment to prove that Qin Shihuang was suspicious by nature and never trusted ministers, that is, "if you are a husband, you trust people." . In fact, Qin Shihuang's mentality at that time may be very complicated, both polite and powerful. Being strong and decisive, making good use of weak skills, being suspicious and willing to take responsibility, and being smart and calculating without losing the effect, this is lean. Otherwise, Qin Shihuang is not Qin Shihuang, but Qin Ershi.
Comparatively speaking, Liao Wei's dynamic personality analysis is more accurate: Qin Shihuang made an appointment for human settlement, but he also downplayed cannibals. "For the Inferior" shows that he is both rigid and flexible, coarse and fine, fierce and wide. He is good at adjusting his strong personality and playing politics. He is a resourceful and decisive man.
"Man-eating by the light" shows that after complacency, especially after getting carried away, it is easy to have no scruples and expose the nature of "headstrong".
Like many emperors, Qin Shihuang's political mentality has an obvious change curve. After unifying the world, he became more and more arrogant, so his talent and intelligence became self-righteous, his temperament became arrogant, his foresight became jealous, his decisiveness became headstrong, his emphasis on the rule of law became abusive, and his determination to make progress became grandiose.
He is arrogant and abuses his power. No one can go against his wishes. Not only ordinary subjects must not disobey the king, but even the gods have sinned against him and will suffer. Especially after listening to the warlock's words, he fell in love with the immortal way, lived in seclusion in the deep palace, and his mentality became increasingly confused, so arrogant and tyrannical trips abound.
Many scholars concluded that Qin Shihuang was a psychopath according to his childhood sufferings and humiliation. Actually, it is not. In the ancient history of China, most emperors who were displaced, attached and humiliated were successful, with Emperor Gaozu, Emperor Xuandi of Han Dynasty, Emperor Guangwu of Han Dynasty, Emperor Wendi of Sui Dynasty and Ming Taizu as examples. These people know more about the subtle relationship between monarch and minister, so they are more proficient in the way of being a monarch.
Full of ups and downs of monarchy, the rulers are required to have complex personality and lean temperament. However, the essence of monarchical politics is autocracy, so arrogance, arrogance, arbitrariness and cruelty are the common political personality characteristics of monarchical countries. Ancient orthodox historians called emperors with this personality characteristic "dissolute and heartless".
It can be seen that this kind of personality is abnormal even according to the prevailing values in ancient times. However, such anomalies are so frequent, such as the domineering of Qin Shihuang, the arrogance of Emperor Wu of Han Dynasty, the brutality of Wen Xuandi in Northern Qi Dynasty and the paranoia of Emperor Yang Di. It is worth noting that many talented emperors have this behavior tendency, which is often in great contrast with their early personalities. This personality trait is not so much caused by psychopathy as by the monarch's political ecology.
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