"Establishment Of Virtue,Establishment Of Merit And Establishment Of Word" As A Value Hierarchy

Since Shusun Bao put forward the idea of "the three imperishable establishments" in the 6th century BC,"establishment of virtue,establishment of merit and establishment of word" has become a cultural commonplace widely circulated in the Chinese discourse,both traditional and modern.Though the “three imperishable establishments” has become commonplace,it is by no means a mere cliché,but has been continuing to exert a significant influence upon the Chinese society and culture,and hence remains a very noticeable topic of public and scholarly discussions.In modern and contemporary China,the "three imperishable establishments" still arouse a wide range of interests among scholars.A comprehensive survey of the development and evolution of the topic of "three imperishable establishments" over the past two thousand years reveals four important facts: 1.The value system and value evaluation system embodied in the notion of "establishment of virtue,establishment of merit and establishment of word" has already become an important component of Chinese culture,exerting a profound impact on the values and ideals cherished by its elite members;2.Concerning the concepts and connotations of "virtue,merit,and word",there have been multiple and pluralistic interpretations,put forward by commentators of all kinds.A universally accepted understanding has not yet been reached.3.Although "virtue,merit and word" are widely accepted as a hierarchical structure with "virtue" at the top and "words" at the bottom,there are also other different views on the way to line up and prioritize the three establishments.4.Modern and contemporary studies of the "Three Imperishable Establishments" are mostly conducted within the framework of axiology,cultural studies,social and historical researches,with a tendency to focus on the macro dimensions of the "three establishments" as the measure of the meaning of life,the goal for the pursuit of personal value,the carrier of social and cultural concepts,etc..This study takes a different approach to reviewing and reexamining the "three establishments" from the perspective of contemporary rhetoric/discourse theory,attempting to identify its cultural connotations on two neglected dimensions.We maintain that firstly,“the three establishments” should be regarded as a rhetorical/argumentative "topos" or a means used to produce specific effects and to realize specific purpose in specific socio-cultural contexts.Secondly,it should be regarded as a discursive configuration charged with the function of producing meaning,forming attitudes,regulating behavior,and constructing identity.Specifically speaking,this study regards "merit,virtue and word" as a "value hierarchy" proposed by contemporary argumentative theory,and analyzes the discursive functions this value hierarchy performs in diachronic and macro contexts as well as the rhetorical purposes its different lineups serves in synchronic and specific contexts.The redefinition of the connotation of the "three imperishable establishments" makes us realize its great social and cultural functions as the ultimate motive of the Chinese elites.The "word" of the three key concepts involved is the focus of this article's reexamination.We hold that the relation between the “word” and the act of “establishing”ought to be treated as the core issue in our understanding of the “three imperishable.”With the help of the interpretive tools provided by contemporary rhetoric/discourse theory,this study distinguishes between two usages in the concept of the "word" : as referring to a collection of linguistic resources,tools and means that make all communication possible,and as referring to a collection of "interpretive formats and interpretations" that are generally accepted and inherited throughout long period in specific cultural contexts.This study further demonstrates that the "word" is not only a means by which to convey,spread or circulate records of "merits" and "virtue," but also the indispensable way to establish and confirm the “virtue” or “merit” as such.Within the framework of this new interpretation,we take Zeng Guofan as a case in point.Once known as the model of achieving the "three imperishable establishments",Zeng Guofan's historical status has given rise to great controversies afterwards.Through careful analysis and demonstration,this study reveals the key role of the “word” played in the process of establishing Zeng's "virtue" and "merit." It is the fusion of the "word" in Zeng's diaries,letters,essays,memorials and announcements and the "words" as the background discourse of his times that shaped his character and led to the establishments of his personal conduct and deeds in his life as a personification of "virtue" and "merits" meant as a model for later generations.However,once the mood of general discourse andthe specific situation of rhetoric change,the same “words”,“virtue” and “merits” can also be turned into something “evil”,“sinful” and “negative”.As the new rhetorical“exigencies” emerge,the establishments have to be based on new grounds and interpretations.That is why Zeng Guofan rose and fall on the altar of the “three imperishable establishments.”The above arguments and examples all point to a long-neglected principle in the cultural elucidation and historical inheritance of the "three imperishable establishments" :It is impossible to establish any virtue or merit or even authoritative discourse without the "word".The "word" is not only capable of "establishing” something as “virtuous" but also capable of turning the same quality or character into the very opposite of being virtuous.Likewise,the “word” can define the same deeds as “meritorious” or “sinful.” Judging from this perspective,the "word" should be regarded as the primary item in the value system composed of "virtue,merit and word".Without the proper understanding of the crucial role of the "word",it will be impossible to understand deeply the social and cultural function of the “three imperishable establishments” as a value hierarchy.Through a deep-going re-examination of the traditional and mainstream explanations of the “three imperishable establishments” from the perspective we have offered,it is not difficult for us to become aware of a “genetic defect” in the Chinese culture,which is the failure to properly recognize the socio-cultural roles the “word” plays and the fundamental discourse/rhetorical functions it performs.At present,there is a serious imbalance of China's "soft power” and “hard power".A deficiency in its international discursive power has become an obvious weak spot of China's national strength,causing many difficulties to our efforts to rejuvenate the Chinese nation.Although the causes of these problems maybe complex,by tracing to their origin,it is evident that they are mostly related,to various extent,to the “genetic defect” mentioned above.It is such an insight that,ultimately,adds to the depth our study,and offers the basis for our project's claim to theoretical innovation,explanatory value and socio-cultural significance.