Shi And Li-The Study On The Intellectual Class Of Chun Qiu Period

The origin and uprising of intellectual class of the Chun Qiu Period --- the class of shi --- has a close relationship with li. Shi, the name of the intellectual class of ancient China, refers to the government officials, and also has the connotation of learning knowledge. The original meaning of shi is the doer of action and it also has the meaning of studying knowledge. Shi in the Chun Qiu Period covers both shi out of power and shi in power who are all closely related with li. Li results from the view of the Way of Heaven and from the sacrifice for ancestors' spirit as well. Li includes three connotations, i.e., system, moral and ritual, which are rich in humanistic spirit. Li is the symbol of identity of shi and the way that shi lives.In the Chun Qiu Period, due to the political turmoil the view of Way of Heaven is at stake. Li is attached all the more importance. Social chaos and conflicts happen. The class of shi is rising. With the efforts of Confucius and his disciples, the traditional notion of li in China comes into the phase of the study of li, which symbolizes the birth of intellectual class in ancient China. As the intellectual class, shi comes to rise in the Chun Qiu Period, and there are three symbols:Confucius' proposal of the theory and method about the recovery of social order; the rise of Confucius' disciples in the political field of Lu Guo; the general trend of learning the culture of li.Shi in different countries behave differently, which brings about the different schools of intellectual class. Shi in Lu Guo give emphasis to moral and politeness. Shi in Jin Guo strictly follow the law and duty, and value material gains. Shi in Chu Guo are more fond of the culture of li, but less loyal to their country. Shi in Song Guo believe in spirits and treasure ancient li. Shi in Zheng Guo understand well the gains and losses, and act cool and calm. Under the influence of li of the Chun Qiu Period, shi of different countries also share many similarities, for instance, the strong tendency to enter politics, the desire to learn, the love of martial art, the care about eloquence and outer appearance, and the improvement of personal virtuousness. Confucius is the representative of shi in intellectual class, and his life can be divided into three phases:the phase of learning and teaching; the phase of holding/pursuing an official position; the phase of teaching in his later years. Confucius and his disciples contribute greatly to the cultural transmission of li. While constructing and improving li system, he follows three principles:the conformation to Zhou Dynasty, the conformation to plainness, and the conformation to justice. Confucius' thoughts are closely linked to li. His opinions on ren, moral and benefit, loyalty, cautiousness, and mentality of happiness overwhelming worries originate directly or indirectly from li of Chun Qiu Period. In addition, he simplifies the complicated li manners as three aspects:body movement, facial expression, and speech. Moreover, the reformers in the Chun Qiu Period, the early representative of Taoism and recluses, all thoroughly study li of the Chun Qiu Period. The reason why the reformers launch the reform is due to the social development and political struggles, and also to the influence from Rong Di Tribe. Lao Zi advocates the Way of Heaven, but he does not deny li and ren. He just partially disagrees on wisdom. Recluses, far away from politics, have an in-depth understanding of social reality.