Liu Zixiao - New Compilation of the Hundred Schools of Thought

Author: Fu Yasi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1998-09-01
Features: Liu Shu, styled Kongzhao, was a native of Fucheng, Bohai, and a thinker of the Northern Qi Dynasty. His life story is not well-documented. According to the History of the Northern Dynasties and the Biography of Liu Shu in the Book of the Northern Qi, the era in which Liu Shu lived was marked by the division of the north and south, as well as acute class and ethnic conflicts. The northern regions were ruled by ethnic minorities, and in his work Liu Zi, he addressed the social ills of the time, expressing his ideas on governing the state and people, as well as his political ambitions to achieve merits for the nation and demonstrate personal talent. Liu Zi is rich in content and covers a wide range of topics. During the Six Dynasties period, the trend of discussing metaphysics flourished in the southern regions, and the northern regions were also influenced by it, which is reflected in Liu Zi. Within the traditional cultural thought, Confucianism and Taoism had the greatest impact on Liu Shu. Liu Shu believed that Confucianism could govern the state and save the nation, while Taoism could preserve one's integrity and reputation. "Although Confucianism is not the ultimate truth, it can guide people; although Taoism is a theory that understands emotions, it cannot solve problems through etiquette. Therefore, the virtuous in governing the state should prioritize etiquette education, while those who seek seclusion should focus on non-action, so that they can achieve their goals while preserving both their actions and reputation."