论管仲之“仁”

管仲是春秋中期著名的齐相,对管仲之"仁",学界大多认可其尊王攘夷、辅佐齐桓公首霸中原的不朽功业,但对其人格上的不为其主殉死、为仇敌之相、战场上逃败等方面却颇有微词。其实,这恰是管子之"仁"的过人之处。此外,管仲之"仁"还表现为对朋友的真诚爱护,对齐国的深沉热爱。

On Guanzhong's Benevolence

Guanzhong,a famous prime minister of the Qi State in middle of the Spring and Autumn Period(770-476 B.C.),receives praises from most of the scholars concerned for his everlasting achievement in assisting the king of the Qi State(Huangong) in establishing his hegemony over the central lands as well as criticisms in terms of his personality.Some scholars hold that Guanzhong is weak in personality in such respects as refusing to sacrifice his life for his monarch Gongzijiu,serving as the prime minister in an enemy country,scurrying back for his life from the battlefield,and gaining extra advantages unfairly from his friends in business dealings.These traits,although berated as shameful,are just extraordinary qualities of his personality.Guanzhong's benevolence,in terms of personality,also manifests itself in his kindness to his friends and his ardent love for the Qi State and the people;in terms of achievements,Guanzhong's benevolence also manifests itself in assisting the king of the Qi State(Huangong) in establishing his hegemony over the central lands,legislating the political systems safeguarding the hegemonic rule as well as protecting and maintaining the region's civilization.In a word,Guan Zhong is not only a successful politician but also a benevolent man of great wisdom and virtue.