China Biography:
I. Early Years
A. According to a legend, a rich merchant named Lu Buwei (Qin Shighuangdi's father) made friends with a prince of the Qin State during the Zhou Dynasty (770-256 BC).The merchant's wife Zhao Ji just got pregnant, so he set up his friend, the prince, to meet then fall in love with her. She became the prince's concubine (a women who lives with a man in a situation similar to marriage , and then gave birth to Lu Buwei's child in 259 B.C. The baby was born in Hanan and was named Ying Zheng; the prince believed the baby was his. Ying Zheng became king of the Qin state in 246 BC, after the death of his supposed-father.
B. The young king was 13 years old when he took the throne, so his prime minister (also real father) Lu Buwei acted as regent (a ruler/administrator during the absence of the king) for the first eight years.
C. Qin Shihangdi lived after/during legalism was developed by Hanfeizi, since the emperor's laws were based on Legalist beliefs.
II. Significant Events
A. According to Shiji ("Records of the Grand Historian") Lu Buwei thought of a way to remove his son from power in 240 BC. He introduced Zhao Ji to Lao Ai, and they had two sons. In 238 BC, Lao and Lu Buwei decided to launch an attack. Lao raised an army, aided by the king of nearby Wei, and tried to seize control while Qin Shi Huang was traveling outside of the area. Qin was angered with the rebellion so Lao was killed in a gruesome way, along with his family. Zhao Ji spent the rest of her days under house arrest and Lu Buwei was exiled.
B. The Hans kingdom fell in 230 BC. In 229 BC, a devastating earthquake hit Zhao, leaving it weak and Qin Shihuangdi invaded the region. Wei fell in 225, Chu in 223 BC, Yan and Zhao in 222 BC, and Qi fell in 221 BC. The Qin king had the most powerful army, and had successfully gained to control all of China.
C. This emperor was the one who built the famous Great Wall of China which took a lot of "manpower", so to make the wall many lies of workers and time were sacrificed.
D. Qin Shihuangdi did everything in his power to keep power from anyone who he thought/knew opposed him; he would have the leaders-of-the-plans-to assassinate-him's families were to be killed. In fact he banished his mother from court when he tough she was planning something against him.
III. Personal Attributes (characteristic)
A. Qin Shihuangdi was a cruel, ambitious leader, who would ban/execute anybody who was against him.
B. Qin Shihuangdi was a powerful, hardworking ruler who was strong enough to invade, conquer, and unite both north and south China.
C. Qin Shihuangdi probably was a selfish man who craved power, since he did anything just to keep his power and asked magicians in court to make him immortal using a magic potion.
IV. Contributions
A. In his 35-year-reign, he created large brilliant construction projects. He also caused both incredible cultural, and much destruction within China.
B. Qin Shihuangdi had unified northern China. His army continued to expand the Qin Empire's southern boundaries throughout his lifetime, moving far south
(where Vietnam is now located). As emperor, Qin Shi Huang reorganized the government, then replaced existing nobility with chosen officials. He also developed a chain of roads, with the capital of Xianyang in the middle. In addition, the emperor simplified the written Chinese script, standardized weights and measures, and minted new copper coins.
C. Due to his belief in Legalism (which is practically about giving laws and principles), Qin Shihuangdi assigned fair punishments to the rich and poor.
V. My Impressions
A. I think that Qin Shihuangdi should not have been such a ruthless leader, meaning he shouldn't have banned his own mother from court after feeling that his own mother was plotting against him.
B. I think Qin Shihuangdi was a strong (physically) man because he was able to fend off many attempted assassinations.
A. According to a legend, a rich merchant named Lu Buwei (Qin Shighuangdi's father) made friends with a prince of the Qin State during the Zhou Dynasty (770-256 BC).The merchant's wife Zhao Ji just got pregnant, so he set up his friend, the prince, to meet then fall in love with her. She became the prince's concubine (a women who lives with a man in a situation similar to marriage , and then gave birth to Lu Buwei's child in 259 B.C. The baby was born in Hanan and was named Ying Zheng; the prince believed the baby was his. Ying Zheng became king of the Qin state in 246 BC, after the death of his supposed-father.
B. The young king was 13 years old when he took the throne, so his prime minister (also real father) Lu Buwei acted as regent (a ruler/administrator during the absence of the king) for the first eight years.
C. Qin Shihangdi lived after/during legalism was developed by Hanfeizi, since the emperor's laws were based on Legalist beliefs.
II. Significant Events
A. According to Shiji ("Records of the Grand Historian") Lu Buwei thought of a way to remove his son from power in 240 BC. He introduced Zhao Ji to Lao Ai, and they had two sons. In 238 BC, Lao and Lu Buwei decided to launch an attack. Lao raised an army, aided by the king of nearby Wei, and tried to seize control while Qin Shi Huang was traveling outside of the area. Qin was angered with the rebellion so Lao was killed in a gruesome way, along with his family. Zhao Ji spent the rest of her days under house arrest and Lu Buwei was exiled.
B. The Hans kingdom fell in 230 BC. In 229 BC, a devastating earthquake hit Zhao, leaving it weak and Qin Shihuangdi invaded the region. Wei fell in 225, Chu in 223 BC, Yan and Zhao in 222 BC, and Qi fell in 221 BC. The Qin king had the most powerful army, and had successfully gained to control all of China.
C. This emperor was the one who built the famous Great Wall of China which took a lot of "manpower", so to make the wall many lies of workers and time were sacrificed.
D. Qin Shihuangdi did everything in his power to keep power from anyone who he thought/knew opposed him; he would have the leaders-of-the-plans-to assassinate-him's families were to be killed. In fact he banished his mother from court when he tough she was planning something against him.
III. Personal Attributes (characteristic)
A. Qin Shihuangdi was a cruel, ambitious leader, who would ban/execute anybody who was against him.
B. Qin Shihuangdi was a powerful, hardworking ruler who was strong enough to invade, conquer, and unite both north and south China.
C. Qin Shihuangdi probably was a selfish man who craved power, since he did anything just to keep his power and asked magicians in court to make him immortal using a magic potion.
IV. Contributions
A. In his 35-year-reign, he created large brilliant construction projects. He also caused both incredible cultural, and much destruction within China.
B. Qin Shihuangdi had unified northern China. His army continued to expand the Qin Empire's southern boundaries throughout his lifetime, moving far south
(where Vietnam is now located). As emperor, Qin Shi Huang reorganized the government, then replaced existing nobility with chosen officials. He also developed a chain of roads, with the capital of Xianyang in the middle. In addition, the emperor simplified the written Chinese script, standardized weights and measures, and minted new copper coins.
C. Due to his belief in Legalism (which is practically about giving laws and principles), Qin Shihuangdi assigned fair punishments to the rich and poor.
V. My Impressions
A. I think that Qin Shihuangdi should not have been such a ruthless leader, meaning he shouldn't have banned his own mother from court after feeling that his own mother was plotting against him.
B. I think Qin Shihuangdi was a strong (physically) man because he was able to fend off many attempted assassinations.
I. Early Years
A. King Wu of the Zhou Dynasty was the second son of King Wen and Taisi of the Zhou Kingdom.
B. King Wu followed his ancestors’ teachings, which were that as a ruler, he needed to be diligent, to revere heaven, love his people, establish a good and strong character, and other stuff.
C. King Wu became the first ruler of the Zhou Dynasty and may also be known the son of heaven.
II. Significant Events
A. Twelve years after King Wu seized power (became king in 1046 BC), he annihilated the Shang Dynasty and established the Zhou Dynasty in its place (the Zhou Dynasty existed around 1122-221 BC, which was the longest period of time for a dynasty to exist in China).
B. At the beginning of King Wu’s rule, he asked Jiang Ziya, his military adviser, whether there was way that the future generations could still enjoy the ancient cultures from a country that their ancestors started. Jiang Ziya replied that there was such wisdom for effective rule contained in a sacred book passed down from preceding kings. He told King Wu that he could only hear it after purifying himself. King Wu wore his ceremonial cap to respectfully request that he be given wisdom. He stood facing east to show respect, instead of south, which is the direction rulers customarily faced when meeting their subjects. After hearing that wisdom, he was greatly inspired and ordered the words to be embedded everywhere (sword, staff, door, etc.) to give him caution and encourage himself all the time.
C. The Zhou Dynasty claimed that King Wu was given the Mandate of Heaven (power/law given by god; a position to rule China).
III. Personal Attributes (characteristics)
A. King Wu acted like a sage; modestly and respectfully seeking wise advice from smart and officials with positive qualities. He was interested in collecting information, meaning he probably like learning.
B. King Wu is an obedient and loyal king, since he did listen to his ancestors and advice given to him to help his empire. He is a loyal king because he tried to accomplish his father's last wish, which was the defeat of the Shang Dynasty.
IV. Contributions
A. King Wu ended the rule of a the evil tyrant-ruler in China, Di Xin who killed his own son and tortured/murdered his ministers.
B. King Wu was the "founder" of the Zhou Dynasty, which is an important period of time in China's history. Confucian and Taoist (philosophies) developed during the the Zhou Dynasty and have influenced generations throughout Chinese history.
V. My Impressions
A. I think that King Wu is obsessed with developing a good character and becoming a wise person, since he would do many things to gain it.
B. I consider him as a just and capable leader, I think this since he was able to bring down the Shang Dynasty.
A. King Wu of the Zhou Dynasty was the second son of King Wen and Taisi of the Zhou Kingdom.
B. King Wu followed his ancestors’ teachings, which were that as a ruler, he needed to be diligent, to revere heaven, love his people, establish a good and strong character, and other stuff.
C. King Wu became the first ruler of the Zhou Dynasty and may also be known the son of heaven.
II. Significant Events
A. Twelve years after King Wu seized power (became king in 1046 BC), he annihilated the Shang Dynasty and established the Zhou Dynasty in its place (the Zhou Dynasty existed around 1122-221 BC, which was the longest period of time for a dynasty to exist in China).
B. At the beginning of King Wu’s rule, he asked Jiang Ziya, his military adviser, whether there was way that the future generations could still enjoy the ancient cultures from a country that their ancestors started. Jiang Ziya replied that there was such wisdom for effective rule contained in a sacred book passed down from preceding kings. He told King Wu that he could only hear it after purifying himself. King Wu wore his ceremonial cap to respectfully request that he be given wisdom. He stood facing east to show respect, instead of south, which is the direction rulers customarily faced when meeting their subjects. After hearing that wisdom, he was greatly inspired and ordered the words to be embedded everywhere (sword, staff, door, etc.) to give him caution and encourage himself all the time.
C. The Zhou Dynasty claimed that King Wu was given the Mandate of Heaven (power/law given by god; a position to rule China).
III. Personal Attributes (characteristics)
A. King Wu acted like a sage; modestly and respectfully seeking wise advice from smart and officials with positive qualities. He was interested in collecting information, meaning he probably like learning.
B. King Wu is an obedient and loyal king, since he did listen to his ancestors and advice given to him to help his empire. He is a loyal king because he tried to accomplish his father's last wish, which was the defeat of the Shang Dynasty.
IV. Contributions
A. King Wu ended the rule of a the evil tyrant-ruler in China, Di Xin who killed his own son and tortured/murdered his ministers.
B. King Wu was the "founder" of the Zhou Dynasty, which is an important period of time in China's history. Confucian and Taoist (philosophies) developed during the the Zhou Dynasty and have influenced generations throughout Chinese history.
V. My Impressions
A. I think that King Wu is obsessed with developing a good character and becoming a wise person, since he would do many things to gain it.
B. I consider him as a just and capable leader, I think this since he was able to bring down the Shang Dynasty.
I. Early Years
A. Confucius (also called Kong Qui) was born is August 27, 551 BC in Tuo, China (in a small state called Lu located in eastern China). There is little details about his childhood, but some people say he was born in the royal family during the Chou Dynasty and others say he was born into poverty. His life was to be said boring, plain, realistic, and undramatic.
B. Between 722 and 481 BC, Lu was invaded many times. Confucius respected Chinese traditions such as reverence and honor towards ancestors and scholars. The society and government had to change if peace and order was to be carried out, so rulers needed to govern wisely. He decided to teach men to develop good character by working honestly and fair; he set his heart on learning at age 15.
II. Significant Events
A. When Confucius was 23, his mother died which led him to 3 days of crying and in 548 BC his father died.
B. At age 34, Confucius accompanied the Prince of Lu where they flew to a neighboring state. Confucius learned the art of music and got so obsessed in it that he forgot to eat.
III. Personal Attributes (characteristics)
A. Confucius was a man who would leave if he was disappointed in a person. For example, he left Lu because he was disappointed in the prince. What happened, was that the Prince Qi was going to give a present to the prince of Lu. The prince of Lu became very excited ignored his government and the counsel of Confucius for three days. When the prince forgot to send him even a portion of sacrificial meat (it was a custom) Confucius left his job and Lu in 495 BC.
B. Confucius was a person who cared and thought the result of his actions and about how people around him would feel. For example, when the prince of Lu was acting ignorant, Confucius thought about how he would be publicly humiliated so he didn't leave his position and Lu right away.
IV. Contributions
A. Confucius had served in minor government posts, such as managing stables and keeping books for a storehouse room or barn for animal feed before he married a woman (when he was 19).
B. Confucianism really became prominence and noticed during the Hans Dynasty (200 BC-200 AD), that was when Confucius was almost revered as a God and his teachings spread. However, people accidentally consider Confucianism a religion, but it was actually a social philosophy that was very influential. Also, Confucian scholars advised many emperors in assistance in governing their empires. Rulers think that the Confucianist society is able to control according to rule.
V. My Impressions
A. I think Confucius was a caring, kind man since he cried for 3 days after his mother died.
B. I think Confucius didn't care about the family that he made (his wife and children) since no one states that much information about them.
A. Confucius (also called Kong Qui) was born is August 27, 551 BC in Tuo, China (in a small state called Lu located in eastern China). There is little details about his childhood, but some people say he was born in the royal family during the Chou Dynasty and others say he was born into poverty. His life was to be said boring, plain, realistic, and undramatic.
B. Between 722 and 481 BC, Lu was invaded many times. Confucius respected Chinese traditions such as reverence and honor towards ancestors and scholars. The society and government had to change if peace and order was to be carried out, so rulers needed to govern wisely. He decided to teach men to develop good character by working honestly and fair; he set his heart on learning at age 15.
II. Significant Events
A. When Confucius was 23, his mother died which led him to 3 days of crying and in 548 BC his father died.
B. At age 34, Confucius accompanied the Prince of Lu where they flew to a neighboring state. Confucius learned the art of music and got so obsessed in it that he forgot to eat.
III. Personal Attributes (characteristics)
A. Confucius was a man who would leave if he was disappointed in a person. For example, he left Lu because he was disappointed in the prince. What happened, was that the Prince Qi was going to give a present to the prince of Lu. The prince of Lu became very excited ignored his government and the counsel of Confucius for three days. When the prince forgot to send him even a portion of sacrificial meat (it was a custom) Confucius left his job and Lu in 495 BC.
B. Confucius was a person who cared and thought the result of his actions and about how people around him would feel. For example, when the prince of Lu was acting ignorant, Confucius thought about how he would be publicly humiliated so he didn't leave his position and Lu right away.
IV. Contributions
A. Confucius had served in minor government posts, such as managing stables and keeping books for a storehouse room or barn for animal feed before he married a woman (when he was 19).
B. Confucianism really became prominence and noticed during the Hans Dynasty (200 BC-200 AD), that was when Confucius was almost revered as a God and his teachings spread. However, people accidentally consider Confucianism a religion, but it was actually a social philosophy that was very influential. Also, Confucian scholars advised many emperors in assistance in governing their empires. Rulers think that the Confucianist society is able to control according to rule.
V. My Impressions
A. I think Confucius was a caring, kind man since he cried for 3 days after his mother died.
B. I think Confucius didn't care about the family that he made (his wife and children) since no one states that much information about them.
I. Early Years
A. In 604 BC Laozi was born in Henan and not much is know about his childhood and parents, only legends were used.
B. They say he was born in Ku County of the State of Chu which today is Luyi County of Henan province. Legend has it that he was born with white hair and a long beard and spent eight or eighty years in his mother's womb, which is the cause for his name, "the old master" and "the old child".
II. Significant Events
A. Laozi (when he was old) was said to have met Confucius (when he was young) and that he criticized his arrogance. However, Confucius was interested in the Laozi and compared him and a dragon which sours using the winds through the clouds in the sky.
B. Laozi was a keeper of archival records at the court of Zhou, so Confucius (551–479 B.C.E.) asked for advice from him on certain ritual matters.
III. Personal Attributes (characteristics)
A. Laozi is probably a shy man, who doesn't like to go outside in the public, since not much information is know from him and some think he is not a historical figure but a legend.
B. Laozi likes to learn, "his learning was devoted to self-effacement and not having fame". -Sima Quian
IV. Contributions
A. It is a legend that Laozi was a keeper in the imperial archives of the Chou dynasty and was disappointed by the government, so he left the court. The gatekeeper at the edge of the frontier stopped Laozi as he was riding out of the kingdom on a water buffalo, where the gatekeeper convinced him to record the principles of his philosophy in a book before leaving the kingdom forever. Laozi wrote a book of about five thousand characters. Written in two parts, the Dao De Jing states the beginning of Daoism.
B. Laozi was the founder of Daoism, which is the second greatest philosophy and tried to give answers the the problems of right living and good government.
C. Some examples of his wise quotes and advice were that: "If you do not want your house to molested by robbers, do not fill it will gold and jade." -if you don't want a problem to start, then don't give any chance for it to start.
V. My Impressions
A. I think Laozi is somebody who is willing to teach others/give advice, since he did that to Confucius.
B. I think Laozi is similar to Confucius because they both were willing to leave China/Lu because they were disappointed in the government/prince.
C. I think that Laozi must have been a man who did daily exercise or ate healthy stuff (no junk food) because he was able to leave China at age ninety and come back years later without dying along the way.
A. In 604 BC Laozi was born in Henan and not much is know about his childhood and parents, only legends were used.
B. They say he was born in Ku County of the State of Chu which today is Luyi County of Henan province. Legend has it that he was born with white hair and a long beard and spent eight or eighty years in his mother's womb, which is the cause for his name, "the old master" and "the old child".
II. Significant Events
A. Laozi (when he was old) was said to have met Confucius (when he was young) and that he criticized his arrogance. However, Confucius was interested in the Laozi and compared him and a dragon which sours using the winds through the clouds in the sky.
B. Laozi was a keeper of archival records at the court of Zhou, so Confucius (551–479 B.C.E.) asked for advice from him on certain ritual matters.
III. Personal Attributes (characteristics)
A. Laozi is probably a shy man, who doesn't like to go outside in the public, since not much information is know from him and some think he is not a historical figure but a legend.
B. Laozi likes to learn, "his learning was devoted to self-effacement and not having fame". -Sima Quian
IV. Contributions
A. It is a legend that Laozi was a keeper in the imperial archives of the Chou dynasty and was disappointed by the government, so he left the court. The gatekeeper at the edge of the frontier stopped Laozi as he was riding out of the kingdom on a water buffalo, where the gatekeeper convinced him to record the principles of his philosophy in a book before leaving the kingdom forever. Laozi wrote a book of about five thousand characters. Written in two parts, the Dao De Jing states the beginning of Daoism.
B. Laozi was the founder of Daoism, which is the second greatest philosophy and tried to give answers the the problems of right living and good government.
C. Some examples of his wise quotes and advice were that: "If you do not want your house to molested by robbers, do not fill it will gold and jade." -if you don't want a problem to start, then don't give any chance for it to start.
V. My Impressions
A. I think Laozi is somebody who is willing to teach others/give advice, since he did that to Confucius.
B. I think Laozi is similar to Confucius because they both were willing to leave China/Lu because they were disappointed in the government/prince.
C. I think that Laozi must have been a man who did daily exercise or ate healthy stuff (no junk food) because he was able to leave China at age ninety and come back years later without dying along the way.
I. Early Years
A. Hanfeizi was born in 280 BC who was a member of the Han family, so he was a prince.
B. Hanfeizi and Li Si (who later became chancellor of Qin under the First Emperor, felt that he was not the equal of Hanfeizi) studied with the philosopher Xun Kuang, also called Xunzi.
II. Significant Events
A. King Zheng of Qin became the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty. When in 234 BC King Zheng launched an attack on Han, the ruler of Han gave Hanfeizi to the emperor negotiate with Qin.
B. Hanfeizi gave the emperor of Qin (King Zheng) tips and advice. Even though the emperor was satisfied, he did not truly trust him. Yao Jia and Li Si as well had a suspicion that, "that it is the nature of human feelings that he will always work for the interests of his native Han (since he was a member of that royal family) and not for those of Qin." The emperor trusted Yao's conclusion and had Hanfeizi imprisoned for that crime, and Hanfeizi couldn't defend himself. Therefore, Li Si gave him poison so that he could commit suicide. The emperor later regretted his inference of Hanfeizi and was going to let him go, but Hanfeizi already died.
III. Personal Attributes (characteristics)
A. Hanfeizi had probably some physical skills, since the way he died was by consuming poison instead of have been executed physically (such as stabbed).
B. Hanfeizi is not really a social man, since not many people were mentioned in his biography. He wasn't like Confucius, which was asking others (like Laozi) for advice.
C.
IV. Contributions
A. Hanfeizi wrote a book consisting of 55 chapters, such as the Five Vermin or the Eminence in Learning.
B. Hanfeizi was the "founder" of Legalism since Legalism was based on what Hanfeizi taught to others. Legalism gives different answers to the resolve problems of orders and establish good government.
C.
V. My Impressions
A. I think Hanfeizi is a person who thinks too much since Hanfeizi thinks human nature is evil, and he wanted a country which was governed with a punishment and reward.
B. I think Hanfeizi must have been affected by Xunzi in his childhood, since Xunzi was the only peer mentioned. He probably taught what Hanfeizi mostly knows about philosophy.
C.
A. Hanfeizi was born in 280 BC who was a member of the Han family, so he was a prince.
B. Hanfeizi and Li Si (who later became chancellor of Qin under the First Emperor, felt that he was not the equal of Hanfeizi) studied with the philosopher Xun Kuang, also called Xunzi.
II. Significant Events
A. King Zheng of Qin became the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty. When in 234 BC King Zheng launched an attack on Han, the ruler of Han gave Hanfeizi to the emperor negotiate with Qin.
B. Hanfeizi gave the emperor of Qin (King Zheng) tips and advice. Even though the emperor was satisfied, he did not truly trust him. Yao Jia and Li Si as well had a suspicion that, "that it is the nature of human feelings that he will always work for the interests of his native Han (since he was a member of that royal family) and not for those of Qin." The emperor trusted Yao's conclusion and had Hanfeizi imprisoned for that crime, and Hanfeizi couldn't defend himself. Therefore, Li Si gave him poison so that he could commit suicide. The emperor later regretted his inference of Hanfeizi and was going to let him go, but Hanfeizi already died.
III. Personal Attributes (characteristics)
A. Hanfeizi had probably some physical skills, since the way he died was by consuming poison instead of have been executed physically (such as stabbed).
B. Hanfeizi is not really a social man, since not many people were mentioned in his biography. He wasn't like Confucius, which was asking others (like Laozi) for advice.
C.
IV. Contributions
A. Hanfeizi wrote a book consisting of 55 chapters, such as the Five Vermin or the Eminence in Learning.
B. Hanfeizi was the "founder" of Legalism since Legalism was based on what Hanfeizi taught to others. Legalism gives different answers to the resolve problems of orders and establish good government.
C.
V. My Impressions
A. I think Hanfeizi is a person who thinks too much since Hanfeizi thinks human nature is evil, and he wanted a country which was governed with a punishment and reward.
B. I think Hanfeizi must have been affected by Xunzi in his childhood, since Xunzi was the only peer mentioned. He probably taught what Hanfeizi mostly knows about philosophy.
C.