Research On The Spirit Of Nobility And Education Of Aristocrats In The Pre-Qin Period

“Nobility”, just as its name implies, means not only noble but also privileged, the rank of which could run in the blood. In ancient China, the period from Xi Zhou to Spring-Autumn is the first era of aristocracy. In this period, there is a kind of exquisite breeding way, which is so-called “spirit of nobility”. Aristocrats pay more attention to their graces and self-cultivation which perform as industry and thrift, self-esteem, militarism, veneration for gentleman, loyalty, belief and so on.Of course, the formation of the spirit of nobility is connected with education of aristocrats in that time. With schools run solely by government, the Pre-Qin aristocrats monopoly all resources of education because only nobility and their descendants have rights to receive cultural breeding. The system dominated by rites and music education plays a key role in moulding the aristocracy. In order to cultivate the ideal pillars of the country with the theory of “Self-cultivation, Family Harmony, State Governing and world Peace”, the Pre-Qin aristocrats establish an integrated and compact education system from antenatal training to university, which lays solid foundations for the formation of aristocracy and its morals.This thesis intends to discuss from four parts.The first part explains the meanings of “aristocracy” and “spirit of nobility”, and introduces briefly two related concepts-“Shi”(Intellectuals) and “gentleman”. The noble society in Pre-Qin period is also called the age of noble families, and the Pre-Qin aristocrats within the patriarchal hierarchy and hereditary system are the ruling classes linked by blood relationship, which have formed their own peculiar spiritual culture in special environment of that period as their political and behavioral principles. At that time, the order of social estates is the emperor, duke, senior official and Shi from the superior to the inferior, but “Shi” as the end of aristocracy in patriarchal system is a very complex class. Therefore, we discuss on the “Shi” class and the meaning changes of the word “gentleman” which means noble at first as well.The second part describes main performances of spirit of Pre-Qin nobility, which contains comity, veneration, industry and thrift, indifference to fame and wealth, loyalty and faith, bravery, attention to dignity, death for the country, etc. The Pre-Qin aristocrats focus on the whole interests of their clans and countries and opposite to pursuit private interests. They are responsible for their nations and hard working, at the same time, they are also modest, prudent and polite. All of these become a common life style and value orientation.The third part emphasizes on education to the Pre-Qin aristocrats and influences on spirit of nobility. The education of the Pre-Qin particularly before the spring and autumn period takes family and school as two core methods, which cultivate nobles’ children from all aspects such as character attainment, culture accomplishment basic skills and military training in order to bring up qualified rulers for country. These teaching contents have great influences on the formation of noble spirit. For an instance, elegance comes from the learning of cultural knowledge and military training strengthens militarism tradition. Especially, music- ceremony education as a key part in university of Pre-Qin dynasty promotes to shape ritual civilization which is the core of spirit of nobility in Previous Qin period and this effect is vital importance of all.The last part sums up the main points of this thesis to make people reflect social current situation.