LINE

Text:AAAPrint
Learning Chinese

Talent recruitment in ancient times

1
2015-05-27 14:43The World of Chinese Editor: Yao Lan

Being polite, courteous, and humble is vital in any era. But during ancient times, it was the best way of improving personal image and winning the hearts of others. Since seizing control of entire countries was no small feat, even for powerful rulers, officials with the ability to assist in country management were extremely valuable and highly respected. In order to recruit talented people, rulers seized every opportunity to display their courtesy and sincerity. It is unclear how much was real or fake, but they got what they wanted. Let's appreciate the art of recruitment together.

周公吐哺 (Zhou Gong spits out food)

Sometimes showing hospitality is simple: opening doors for guest even when you are busy.

Ji Dan (姬旦), more widely known as Zhou Gong (周公), the son of Emperor Wen and brother of Emperor Wu in Zhou Dynasty, was the most influential person famous for being courteous to the wise. In order to recruit capable people, Zhou Gong met with visitors all day. In case he missed anyone, he always rushed to open the door whenever someone came. It was said that even if he was taking a shower, and guests had arrived, Zhou Gong would run to welcome them without drying and tying up his hair, just held it. If he was having dinner, he would spit out the food in order to meet them immediately. Since he was always like this, there was a saying about him: "Hold hair three times during a shower; Spit out food three times during a meal (一沐三握发,一饭三吐哺)." His respect for talent was a model for politicians later.

千金买骨 (Buying bones with a thousand taels of gold)

As with Zhou Gong, King Zhao of the State of Yan in the Warring States Period was also eager to recruit talented officials. His adviser, Guo Wei, provided him with a very creative idea.

Guo told a story: An emperor in olden days wanted to buy a swift horse, but could not find one for three years. One day, an official bought the bones of a dead swift horse back with a thousand taels of gold in the name of the emperor. The emperor was very angry. But the official said this way they could get a living, swift horse. Later, just like the official had expected, many people went to the emperor selling their swift horses, because when they knew that the emperor spent so much money on a dead horse, they believed that he would pay even more for a living one.

Then Guo said, "It will also work attracting talented people. You show your respect to me, thus people wiser than me will believe you will treat them well."

Emperor Zhao accepted his suggestion. He built Gold Terrace (黄金台) for Guo and respected him as a teacher. Unsurprisingly, many famous minds like Zou Yan (邹衍) and Yue Yi (乐毅) came to Yan, and Yan became stronger and more prosperous with their help.

Related news

MorePhoto

Most popular in 24h

MoreTop news

MoreVideo

News
Politics
Business
Society
Culture
Military
Sci-tech
Entertainment
Sports
Odd
Features
Biz
Economy
Travel
Travel News
Travel Types
Events
Food
Hotel
Bar & Club
Architecture
Gallery
Photo
CNS Photo
Video
Video
Learning Chinese
Learn About China
Social Chinese
Business Chinese
Buzz Words
Bilingual
Resources
ECNS Wire
Special Coverage
Infographics
Voices
LINE
Back to top Links | About Us | Jobs | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
Copyright ©1999-2018 Chinanews.com. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.