Chinese Literati In China

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China has gone through many changes in its history. Changes include economic, political, and social. In the early 1500 and throughout history, mostly all social classes followed Confucianism. Confucianism is a type of religion based on an ideal society (Chang 2012, 22). China was molded though Confucianism but that slowly deteriorated as years went on. One main group that has been a main part in these changes is the Chinese literati. The Chinese literati include the higher-class people such as officials and scholars. The Chinese literati were the dominant social class during the 1500’s but their power slowly decreased throughout history. Throughout my paper, I will explain the Chinese literati involvement as centuries passed.
During the Ming dynasty, Chinese literati were educated officials and scholars (Ching 1987, 24). Many were involved with painting and calligraphy. Some were officials in the Ming government. In order to obtain a position as an official or cabinet member, a student must pass the “imperial exam.” An imperial exam is exam paper used to find the best potential for an administrative position. The government designed these exams with three levels. After the student has completed the third level, they will have an opportunity to meet the emperor in person. If the emperor were to approve the student, then the student may obtain an admintrative position in the government. Most people who took imperial exams came from a rich family (Murphey 2009, 136-137). The rich were able to afford private tutors for there children who needed to take the exam. Peasants would have little to no chance at achieving an administrative position. Painting and calligraphy was another characteristic of the Chinese literati. Chinese artist ...

... middle of paper ...

... turned one of the Chinese literati temple into a table tennis area (Sommer 1995, 19). During modern period, some universities utilize the Imperial Exams as they had hundreds of years ago so the traditional Chinese ways apply to modern society (Hayhoe 2011, 98).
In conclusion, the Chinese literati have gone through many changes in the history of China. Changes include economic, political and social which mostly involved Chinese officials of the Qing and Ming court. The officials were effected by rebellions and foreign involvement throughout the years. This shows that even lower societies such as peasants can make a difference in the world with the right type of leader. Confucianism, which was followed for hundreds of years, vanished very quickly. It is amazing how a society of high stature and power early in the 1500’s could disappear so quickly to modern times.

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