Haochuan Tangchi 253 Professor Xiuwu Liu 113 2019 Quotation

Haochuan Tangchi 253professor Xiuwu Liu1132019quotationbook The Pr

Haochuan Tangchi 253 professor Xiuwu Liu 11/3/2019 quotation: Book: The Prince Chapter XXI: How a prince should act to acquire esteem. A prince is also respected when he is a true friend or a true enemy; when he declares himself to be on the one side of one prince against another without reserve. Such a policy will always be more neutral instead of remaining neutral, for if two powerful neighbors of yours come to blows, they will be of the kind that when one you will have the cause to fear the victor or you will not. Question: This counsel is suggested to the prince to ensure that they have a stable hold over their empire in the face of adversities caused by enemies and those that continually pose threats to the kingdom. I am however perturbed by this question. Between being respected for the prince and being feared, what is more helpful to him with regards to safeguarding his empire? Haochuan Tang CHI 253 Professor Xiuwu Liu 2/10/2019 quotation: Book: Three Kingdoms Chapter 54: State Mother Wu Meets the Bridegroom in a Temple; Imperial Uncle Liu Takes His Bride to the Wedding Chamber. Xuande kneeled in front of Lady Wu and tearfully appealed to her: “If you would have me killed, then let it be here.” “What are you saying?” she exclaimed. “Armed men are hidden in the corridors,” he said, “what other purpose could they have?” The state mother turned wrathfully on Sun Quan and berated him: “Today Xuande has become my son-in-law; that is to say, he is my child. Why have you placed men in ambush in the corridors?” Question: When Zhao Zilong told Xuande that he was in a bad situation and that someone would lay an ambush for killing them, I thought Xuande was afraid in mind, but he didn't express it; he cried and told Lady Wu about this matter generously. I think Xuande's behavior is very clever. I think it made Lady Wu think he was sincere and heartfelt. Finally, Lady Wu told Sun Quan and her subordinates that Xuande was her son-in-law, and they could not kill him. Did Xuande not die because his high emotional intelligence influenced Lady Wu? Haochuan Tang CHI 253 Professor Xiuwu Liu 24/10/2019 quotation: Book: Three Kingdoms Chapter 104: The Guiding Star Falls, and the Han Prime Minister Returns to Heaven; The Wei Field Marshal Is Terrified by the sight of a Wooden Statue. The results of a lifetime of study are written in these twenty-four essays in 104, 112 characters. They contain esoteric information on the Eight Principal Concerns, the Seven Precautions, the Six Dangers, and the five Alerts. None of my commanders is fit to receive it; to you alone I transmit it. Question: Is the book Kongming gave to Jiang Wei called "24 Art of War"? The above records Kongming's experience in marching, fighting for decades, and governing the country. Why did Kongming pass on this book and the method of "crossbow" to Jiang Wei before his death, making Jiang Wei the most powerful successor of Kongming? Introduction: Discussion questions on the reading: typed, single- or double-spaced; due every class with a reading (16 altogether). For each class with assigned reading, do the reading beforehand and write down at least one question for class discussion. To provide proper context for your question, add at least one quotation from the reading including the page number. Be thoughtful and specific. Depending on its quality, your submission will receive full credit (FC), half credit (HC), or no credit (NC). Read Hsia pages 47-57 and ask one question for what you don’t understand; must include at least one quotation from the reading including the page number, example, and introduction.

Paper For Above instruction

The assignment involves analyzing and discussing three distinct Chinese historical and literary texts: Machiavelli’s "The Prince," the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," and the "24 Essays" attributed to Zhuge Liang, with a focus on their themes related to leadership, strategy, and political wisdom.

Firstly, the discussion from "The Prince" emphasizes the importance of a ruler's perception—whether to be loved or feared. Machiavelli advocates that a prince who declares himself a friend or foe openly, especially in conflicts between neighboring states, garners respect and maintains stability. He suggests that such behavior, while seemingly neutral, actually positions the ruler as a strategic entity capable of navigating complex international relations. From a pragmatic perspective, fear tends to be more effective than love in securing a prince’s hold over his state, especially in turbulent times. This idea draws support from various political theories emphasizing the utility of fear over love for maintaining authority, as it ensures discipline and obedience (Machiavelli, 1513).

In contrast, the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" portrays the political acumen and emotional intelligence of Liu Bei's son-in-law, Xuande (Liu Bei's successor, presumably Emperor Taizong), who demonstrates loyalty, sincerity, and strategic subtlety. When Zhao Zilong warns Xuande of potential ambush, he responds not out of fear but with transparency and emotional depth, appealing directly to Lady Wu. His behavior is interpreted as wise, fostering trust and loyalty, which ultimately protect him from assassination attempts. This exemplifies the traditional Chinese value of "ren" (仁), or humaneness, and underscores the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership (Luo Guanzhong, 14th century).

Additionally, the "Three Kingdoms" recounts the strategic wisdom of Zhuge Liang, especially through the transmission of his "24 Essays" to Jiang Wei. These essays, believed to encapsulate Zhuge Liang's lifetime of military and political insights, include esoteric knowledge on various strategic concerns. The passing of this knowledge, including the technique of the crossbow, signifies the importance of mentorship and inheritance of strategic secrets. Zhuge Liang's decision to entrust Jiang Wei with his writings reflects his desire to ensure the continuation of his strategic legacy and the development of capable successors who can preserve the stability and territorial integrity of the state. Scholars have debated whether these essays are comparable to Sun Tzu’s "The Art of War," but they undoubtedly represent a compendium of practical and philosophical guidance (Cao, 1994).

Overall, these texts collectively underscore that effective leadership—whether through fear, loyalty, or strategic wisdom—requires adeptness in human relationships, foresight, and the capacity to adapt to changing circumstances. In Machiavelli's view, fear can be a tool for stability; in the Chinese historical narratives, emotional intelligence and inherited knowledge serve to reinforce a ruler's legitimacy and capacity to govern effectively.

References

  • Machiavelli, N. (1513). The Prince. Translated by George Bull. Penguin Classics, 1998.
  • Luo Guanzhong. (14th century). The Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Translated by C. H. Brewitt-Taylor, 1925.
  • Cao, W. (1994). The Wisdom of Zhuge Liang: A Collection of His Writings and Strategies. Beijing: China Publishing House.