Publisher's Synopsis
The Sacred Edict Containing Sixteen Maxims of the Emperor Kang is a historical book written by Kang-he, who was an Emperor of China. The book contains sixteen principles or maxims that were considered essential for leading a virtuous life. These principles cover a wide range of topics such as filial piety, loyalty, honesty, justice, and the importance of education. The book was later amplified by Kang-he's son, the Emperor Yoong Ching, who added his own insights and interpretations to the original text. The Sacred Edict is considered a significant work of Confucian literature and is still studied and revered in China today. It provides a fascinating insight into the moral and ethical values of the Chinese imperial court during the Qing dynasty.1817. The Sixteen Maxims, which for the groundwork of this book, were delivered, in an edict, by the Emperor Kang-he, the same Emperor by whose authority the Chinese Imperial Dictionary was compiled. These maxims, each of which, in the original, contains seven characters, or words, were neatly written out on small slips of wood, and placed in the public offices, where they are to be seen at the present day The Emperor Yoong-Ching, the son and successor of Kang-he, wisely considering that the conciseness of these maxims would necessarily prevent their general utility, wrote an Amplification of them, which he published in the second year of his reign; and ordered it to be read publicly to the people, on the first and fifteenth of each month. The Sixteen Maxims are: Duties of Children and Brothers; Respect for Kindred; Concord among Neighbors; Importance of Husbandry; The Value of Economy; Academical Learning; False Religions exposed; On the Knowledge of the Laws; Illustration of the Principles of good Breeding; Importance of attending to the essential Occupations; The Instruction of Youth; The Evil of false Accusing; The Consequences of hiding Deserters; The Payment of Taxes; The Necessity of extirpating Robbery and Theft; and The Importance of settling Animosities.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
