kang hsi
The Self - Portrait of K'ang-Hsi is a work unlike any other that a typical reader could expect to encounter. It is both educational and exciting, incorporating many elements such as morality, history, and wisdom, that when combined, stun the reader into admiration for one of China's greatest emperors. The Emperor Of China is a beautifully written masterpiece both on the part of the author K'ang-Hsi and the editor Jonathan Spence. The book takes its readers into the 17th century China, presenting them with the Chinese way of life as well as the Chinese culture in general. The way in which K'ang-Hsi presents his thoughts, victories, and defeats is spectacular to both the old and the young. K'ang-Hsi's self portrait allows the readers to psychologically enter the mind of the great emperor witnessing the true perspectives of his job, as well as evaluating how well he accomplished such an enormous task as ruling an empire for over sixty years. In the words of K'ang-Hsi himself, his job was "hard work," two words so simple, yet with such great meaning. Des
In old age K'ang-Hsi's only request was to die without having an outbreak of troubles. " (Spence, 170) Conceivably the reason for K'ang-Hsi's accomplishments understanding his role as well as carrying it out, were due to his high intellectual standpoint, as well as a virtuous heart. This great technique allows him to maintain the full attention of the reader, as well as helps him transliterate some of his functions and roles by direct examples, rather then lengthy edict-like essays. K'ang-Hsi fought wars but knew when to be cruel as well as when to be merciful. Furthermore, K'ang-Hsi never took funds out of the Board of Revenue treasury unless it was for famine relief or military matters. " (Spence, 171) For the duration of the book, K'ang-Hsi tells us the history of his rule, bringing us to the exact locations of some specific events. I never had a slightest idea that a ruler can have so much concern toward his country. He is extremely descriptive, unable to omit the slightest details. K'ang-Hsi assumed and fulfilled all possible roles that were a part of his job. K'ang-Hsi was well aware of that and even pointed out, "I have worked with unceasing diligence and intense watchfulness, never resting, never idle. "(Spence, 147) In military matters K'ang-Hsi did not fall short either. Again as K'ang-Hsi himself pointed out, "No dynasty in history has been as just as ours in gaining the right to rule. He was successful expanding his empire in the north, and dispersing outbreaks and rebellions. The only regret that I have from K'ang-Hsi, is that we do not have a ruler like him today. Generally speaking, K'ang-Hsi views himself as a true leader should - an example to his subjects.
Common topics in this essay:
China Chinese,
Board Revenue,
Portrait K'ang-Hsi,
Emperor China,
Jonathan Spence,
Furthermore K'ang-Hsi,
slightest details,
self portrait,
emperor china,
military matters,
|
Acceptance Essays
