the more chaotic it is, the more golden is the era!
sometimes i kinda wonder if china is able to abolish the practise
of passing the throne to one's own son to a merit-based system, her
people might be able to lead a better life. but then again, chinese
history and culture might not be as interesting and colourful with
heros emerging at the most chaotic times.
however, i should note that in general, the first 3 emperors of a
new dynasty are better than the last 3 emperors of the previous
dynasty. so the changing of the dynasty is itself a form of
merit-based system albeit a bloody one. upon reflection, i think
even a merit-based system is not a passport to a bloodless and
peaceful transition to the next government in modern times
too.
in the first chapter of the novel romance of the 3 kingdoms, the
author stated, "prolonged unity leads to separation, prolonged
separation leads to unity". a simple but yet profound phrase, it
suggests a lot of things in life and nature are cyclic. for eg,
rain.
