Chapter 11 Section 6 Jixia Academy

Jixia Academy is a famous institution of higher learning established by the State of Qi during the Warring States Period. The state presided over the recruitment of famous scholars who were floating in the society at that time, and also attracted a group of students, becoming the center of "a hundred schools of thought contending" at that time.The so-called "Jixia" refers to the area near Jimen (the first gate in the southwest of the city) in Linzi, the capital of Qi State (now Zichuan District, Zibo City, Shandong Province).Jixia Academy was established during the time of Duke Huan of Qi (that is, Tian Wu, reigned from 375 BC to 357 BC), which was about the same time as the "Xiaoyao Academy" founded by Plato in Athens in ancient Greece. As a result, Jixia Academy has already reached a considerable scale.At the time of King Xuan of Qi, Jixia's learning reached its climax, with a large scale that could accommodate nearly a thousand teachers and students. 76 famous scholars such as Yu, Shen Dao, and Huanyuan taught, gave them the position of "superior doctor", and built a magnificent "Great House" beside the broad avenue as their residence, and gave them generous treatment, and did not reject all families. Scholars from all schools are inclusive and all are given preferential treatment, and disciples from all over the world who come to study abroad are also warmly welcomed.Jixia Academy experienced the middle and late Warring States period, which lasted about 150 years.

Jixia Academy is different from the official schools before the Western Zhou Dynasty. It is a multifunctional institution that not only engages in education, but also engages in academic research and political consultation. Although it was established by the government, it broke the hierarchy of slave owners and aristocrats. Not only did the students "teach without discrimination", but teachers were hired regardless of high or low. Even Chunyu Kun, who was born a slave and was a son-in-law, became famous "Mr. Jixia", the leader of the academy is not officially appointed, but elected by teachers and students, and the term of office is not fixed. equivalent to the principal).

Jixia Academy brought together a large number of strategic intellectuals, making it a consulting institution.Famous scholars are given the position of "superior doctor", but instead of being administrative officials, they participate in the discussion of political affairs and act as senior advisers, "discussing state affairs without taking office", and set up special forums to "express their own opinions", state their interests, and discuss major events in the world.They are not only the counselors of the Qi State, but also lead apprentices to study and travel to various countries, "talking from the top to teaching from the bottom", "if they agree, they will stay, and if they don't agree, they will go".

Jixia Academy is inclusive of various schools of thought, and is a place for academic research and free debate.It opens its doors to people of insight from all over the world, and provides favorable material conditions and academic environment. It is both a forum and a research institute.From the point of view of schools, there are Confucianism, Taoism, Legalism, Yin-Yang School, Military School, Farm School, Famous School, etc., any school can only temporarily gain a relative advantage, but cannot permanently occupy the position of absolute dominance. To survive through elimination, it is also necessary to actively develop ideas and theories, so Jixia Academy has created a situation of academic prosperity.When each faction argues, it strives to "hold for a reason" and "make sense".They believe that if the debate is successful, it means that the point of view they insist on is correct; if the debate fails, they will also get the truth they can pursue from the other side.This attitude is still desirable for us today.

Jixia Academy, a university run by the state of Qi, has a unified academic rule, which is the "Discipleship" in the book "Guanzi" today. The academic rule has strict requirements for students.The first paragraph is equivalent to the general principle, translated into modern language as: "The master teaches, and the disciples follow and learn. Be humble and humble, and you will be able to thoroughly learn what you have learned. If you see goodness, follow it, and if you see righteousness, practice it. Gentle and filial, don't be arrogant. Rely on your strength. Your mind must not be empty and evil, and your behavior must be upright. You must abide by the rules when you go out and at home. Always be careful. Focus on following them and not slack, that's learning the rules."

The study is written in exquisite four-character rhymes. After the general rules, it also puts forward various rituals and specific requirements for the disciples to study, eat, clean and sanitate, hold the fire at night (lighting the torch for lighting), etc. It runs through the spirit of respecting teachers, which is conducive to the establishment of normal teaching order and life order.This is not only the first code of conduct for students in the history of school education in ancient China, but also the first code of conduct for students in boarding schools in the history of school education in the world.