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The Burning of the Books
213 BC
In 213 BC, all
Confucian books were burned save one copy of each which was kept in the
Chinese State Library. Destroying literature and persecuting Confucians
was an extension of the original plans to consolidate the Qin dynasty
composed by Shi Huang (246-210 BC). They were carried out further by
Prime Minister Li Si (208 BC).
Back to "Qin Dynasty" Chronology
Shi Huang (246-210
BC) founded the Qin Dynasty in 221 BC. This marked the end of the
Warring States Period (475-221 BC). Shi Huang's main goal was to have a
unified empire. He wanted to impose his ideals of government on other
Chinese states he had conquered. This goal was to be carried out in
three stages which included taking control over the state in 238 BC,
defeating rivals and expanding China's borders from 230-221 BC, and
organizing his conquests. For this part, he planned to institute roads,
weights and measures, coins, and script. Family groups were strengthened
and moral order imposed. Books were one of the biggest threats and were
most likely burnt out of fear. The common people were eager to learn.
To destroy their literature was to burn a bridge from common knowledge
to deeper thought and introspection. By establishing intellectual
conformity, Shi Huang hoped to stymie criticism of imperial rule which
could lead to revolution.
Legalism was the
dominant thought of the Qin dynasty. It taught that men were evil and
out of control, hence needing a strict set of laws and uniform justice
to keep them in line. Legalists exalted the state wanting to bask in the
glory of its power, ignoring the well-being of common people.
Confucianism was
one of the victims of Li Si's book burning. It was perhaps considered
threatening to imperial leaders because it encouraged deep thought in
politics and philosophy regarding economic and social changes.
Confucians believed in the fundamental goodness of man, supporting rule
by moral persuasion according to the concept of "Li." "Li" was enforced
by society instead of the courts and education was valued as the most
important aspect in maintaining order. Laws were passed simply to
supplement "Li", not to take precedence over it.
The ban on books was lifted in 191 BC, after the Qin were overthrown by the Han Dynasty.
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