The Chinese Scholar and the Idea of a Scholar's Garden
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The
scholar sat atop the social order of ancient China, not only
as a figure of intellect and enlightenment but also as a member
of the social elite. Based on the philosophy of Confucius, the
best and the brightest people in society were chosen to rule.
By the 7th century A.D. - when Europe was in the depth of the
Dark Ages - China had instituted a series of civil service examinations
that guaranteed that only the most intelligent people would rise
to leadership roles in the Government. Students frequently sat
for these examinations many times before passing them. The examinations
focused on philosophy, art, poetry, and Government service brought many rewards but also many dangers. On one hand, an official held immense social, political and financial power. On the other hand, he was constantly in danger of retribution if his performance was poor. Such retribution included public flogging, imprisonment, banishment, even execution. It is not surprising that when these scholars retired, they sought refuge from the unceasing and unnerving tensions of governing. Many of these educated and elegant men sought serenity in their own isolated and beautiful environments. This trend became increasingly popular among the governing elite in the 14th century and again in the late 19th century. Much of the extraordinary garden construction of the 14th century took place in cities south of the Yangtze River and in particular in the citv of Suzhou. |
administration,
in short the whole range of human experience that Confucius thought
desirable in a government leader. The scholars who took these
examinations were appointed to government posts based on their
scores, the best students receiving the top posts.
