On Wei Xi's Thought Of Talents

Wei Xi (1624–1680), also known as BingShu, ShuZi, YuZhai, or ShaoTing, was born in Ningdu, Jiangxi province. He was a noted writer and educator. In his early years, he was dedicated to imperial examinations, however, after the perishing of Ming Dynasty, he led the"nine scholars in Yitang", built Yitang alongside Cuiwei Mountain and received a number of students and gave lectures. The"nine scholars in Yitang", consist of nine celebrated persons of letters, who are respectively Wei Xi, Li Tengjiao, Peng Shiwang, Qiu Weiping, Lin Shiyi, Wei Xiang, Peng Ren, Zeng Can and Wei Li. Yitang School from Ningdu, which leads Chengshan School from Nanfeng and Jishan School from Xingzi belongs to Sanshan School in Jiangxi province during late Ming Dynasty and early Qing Dynasty, plays a positive role in creating an academic ambience during that time. This thesis centers on Wei Xi, the most renowned among the"nine scholars in Yitang". From these two aspects, talents and education, this thesis gives a new review on Wei Xi's contribution on history. The academic society has basically agreed on Wei Xi's achievements in the field of literary, and has made systematic as well as thorough studies on his contributions. However, the attention given on Wei Xi's contributions on education is still not enough, especially in terms of his thoughts on talents cultivation and selection. Wei Xi's achievements on education thoughts can never be ignored; therefore, a thorough and complete study on his contributions on education is essential.By collecting and analyzing abundant literatures, this thesis generalizes Wei Xi's talents view as a thought which includes three parts: namely standards of talents, selections of talents and talents cultivation.The first part of this thesis illustrates Wei Xi's standards of talents in fostering patriots, gentlemen, and talents who are useful to the society. Wei Xi maintains that to be a patriot, a person should possess firm national integrity, aspiration to save the country, and concerns about people's livelihood. In the perspective of Wei Xi, a gentleman should be good at learning, retrospection and can tell from honors and shames. A useful person, according to Wei Xi's views, should have a good command on ruling of a country, and also could take good advantage of history.The second part of this thesis elaborates on Wei Xi's views on talents selection. He considers the stereotyped writing (namely eight-part essay) is detrimental to talents, therefore, he puts forward his own thoughts on talents selection, which are opposing the hereditary system, laying emphasis on talents, understanding talents and treasuring talents while using them.The third part deals with Wei Xi's views on talents cultivation. He holds that talents cultivation not only depends on school running as well as making visionary people as teachers, but also lies in rules and regulations of schools and communications between friends. Most importantly, talents cultivation also hinges on students'self-study, practice and experiences.The then Wei Xi's thought of talents with vivid specialty and quite different features is a great treasure in China and it is still of deep edification in modern times.