The Burning of the Books

213 BC

In 213 BC, allConfucian books were burned save one copy of each which was kept in theChinese State Library. Destroying literature and persecuting Confucianswas an extension of the original plans to consolidate the Qin dynastycomposed by Shi Huang (246-210 BC). They were carried out further byPrime Minister Li Si (208 BC).

Back to "Qin Dynasty" Chronology

Shi Huang (246-210BC) founded the Qin Dynasty in 221 BC. This marked the end of theWarring States Period (475-221 BC). Shi Huang's main goal was to have aunified empire. He wanted to impose his ideals of government on otherChinese states he had conquered. This goal was to be carried out inthree stages which included taking control over the state in 238 BC,defeating rivals and expanding China's borders from 230-221 BC, andorganizing his conquests. For this part, he planned to institute roads,weights and measures, coins, and script. Family groups were strengthenedand moral order imposed. Books were one of the biggest threats and weremost likely burnt out of fear. The common people were eager to learn.To destroy their literature was to burn a bridge from common knowledgeto deeper thought and introspection. By establishing intellectualconformity, Shi Huang hoped to stymie criticism of imperial rule whichcould lead to revolution.

Legalism was thedominant thought of the Qin dynasty. It taught that men were evil andout of control, hence needing a strict set of laws and uniform justiceto keep them in line. Legalists exalted the state wanting to bask in theglory of its power, ignoring the well-being of common people.

Confucianism wasone of the victims of Li Si's book burning. It was perhaps consideredthreatening to imperial leaders because it encouraged deep thought inpolitics and philosophy regarding economic and social changes.Confucians believed in the fundamental goodness of man, supporting ruleby moral persuasion according to the concept of "Li." "Li" was enforcedby society instead of the courts and education was valued as the mostimportant aspect in maintaining order. Laws were passed simply tosupplement "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.