Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the historical significance and implications of the imperial examination system (科举) in ancient China, particularly during the Ming and Qing dynasties, highlighting its role in social mobility and governance [1][2]. Group 1: Examination System Overview - The imperial examination system was a highly advanced and fair method of selecting officials, unique in the ancient world, and aimed at breaking the rigid class structure [1][2]. - Unlike modern civil service exams, the imperial examination was more brutal, with a long cycle and high costs, but offered substantial rewards for success [2][3]. Group 2: Impact on Feudalism - The examination system played a crucial role in dismantling feudal structures by allowing the emperor to appoint officials directly, rather than relying on a class of nobles [3][4]. - The transition from a feudal system to a centralized bureaucratic system began with the Qin and Han dynasties and was solidified with the establishment of the examination system [3][5]. Group 3: Social Mobility and Class Structure - The examination system did not significantly alter the entrenched class structure, as the ruling class was generally uninterested in promoting social mobility [7][8]. - The ruling elite designed the examination system to be a luxury, making it accessible primarily to the wealthy, thus maintaining low social mobility [9][10]. Group 4: Educational Access and Barriers - Education was largely inaccessible to the lower classes, with most candidates coming from wealthy families or those with prior educational advantages [10][11]. - The costs associated with education and examination preparation were prohibitive, further entrenching social inequalities [12][13]. Group 5: Regional Disparities - There were significant regional disparities in examination success rates, with southern regions, particularly Jiangsu and Zhejiang, dominating the number of successful candidates due to better educational resources [13]. - The centralization of examination opportunities favored wealthier areas, leading to a concentration of power and influence among certain families [13][14]. Group 6: Conclusion on the Examination System - The imperial examination system was an early form of meritocracy that, while providing some opportunities for upward mobility, ultimately served to stabilize the existing social order and limit broader societal change [14].

"我最讨厌全民热捧的人生格言——"难得糊涂"，它的潜台词是要告诫人们：遇事别分是非，见 人别说真话，逢上只陪笑脸，受辱绝无怨言，总之，活得像猪那样平静，活得像狗那样开心，无 知无欲无是无非无爱无恨…… 这全是弱者的人生观。为什么要叫喊"知足常乐"？因为他没有能力取得功名富贵，用"知足常 乐"得获得心理平衡。为什么向往"平安是福"？因为他比老鼠还胆怯懦弱，不敢像雄鹰一样搏击 人生的狂风暴雨。 在盛唐，这一切都是被嘲笑的对象。" 中国古典诗歌在盛唐达到了它的顶峰，它之前任何朝代诗歌的整体成就都不能望其项背，它之后 的所有诗人无一不对它惊叹、模仿和继承。 为什么唐代诗人是如此狂妄且浪漫？为什么唐代文化竟能散发出如此磅礴的生命能量？盛世唐朝 究竟如何抚育、滋养了这群狂人？ 2025 年 1 月 2 日 -1 月 4 日，混沌文理院六期第六模块在西安举办。本篇文章摘录自戴建业 老师在混沌文理院的演讲内容，主题为《盛唐诗歌与盛世精神》。我们将以具体诗歌为例，阐述 盛唐之音的情调、风骨、意境和语言，并探究盛唐之音与盛唐文化的关系。 混沌文理院七期课表 什么叫"盛世精神"？ 所谓盛世精神，特指盛唐所具有的一种精神气概： 随着 ...