Deconstructing China's Ancient Civil Service Exam
Feb 16, 2025•16 min•Season 1Ep. 28
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Episode description
we examine the imperial examination system in ancient China, focusing on the Ming and Qing dynasties. While the system was designed to offer upward mobility for the lower classes and maintain social stability, it emphasized rote memorization of Confucian texts like the Four Books and the writing of the rigid eight-legged essay, rather than practical knowledge.
00:00 Imperial Exams: 8-Legged Essay Secrets 05:28 8-Legged Essay's Bitter Legacy10:56 Imperial Exams' Legacy: China Today
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