Liu Zixiao

Author: Fu Yasi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: Liu Shu, styled Kongzhao, was a native of Fucheng, Bohai. He was a thinker of the Northern Qi Dynasty. Little is known about his life. According to the Biographies of the Northern Dynasties and the Book of the Northern Qi, the era in which Liu Shu lived was a time of sharp class and ethnic conflicts amid the division of the north and south. The northern dynasties were ruled by ethnic minorities, and in his work Liu Zi, he addressed the social and political issues of the time, expressing his ideas on governing the state and people, as well as his political ambitions to achieve national success 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 dynasties were also influenced by it, which is reflected in Liu Zi. Within the traditional national 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 true way to truth, this teaching can guide people; although Taoism is a theory that understands emotions, achieving propriety cannot solve problems. Therefore, the virtuous in governing the state should prioritize the teachings of propriety, while those who seek retirement should focus on the principle of non-action, so that they can achieve their goals while preserving both their actions and reputation."