The soldier as a sage: Qi Jiguang (1528-1588) and the neo-confucianization of the military in sixteenth-century China

Doctoral Thesis

This dissertation zooms in on the successful military career of the sixteenth-century Chinese general Qi Jiguang and the question how he was able to bridge the divide between the worlds of the civil bureaucrat, the Neo-Confucian scholar, and that of the professional military. These worlds had grown apart in the course of the Ming (1368-1644) dynasty in socio-cultural terms. Moreover, as the original military institutions of the empire broke down during the fifteenth century, the civil bureaucracy assumed a greater role in military affairs, further marginalizing the role of military officers. Nevertheless, Qi Jiguang managed to take advantage of this state of affairs by subscribing to a new activist interpretation of Neo-Confucianism, foremostly pioneered by philosopher and statesman Wang Yangming (1472-1529). This redefined Neo-Confucianism facilitated a fusion of civil and military lifestyles and was embraced by activist-minded civil bureaucrats, scholars, and military men in...Show moreThis dissertation zooms in on the successful military career of the sixteenth-century Chinese general Qi Jiguang and the question how he was able to bridge the divide between the worlds of the civil bureaucrat, the Neo-Confucian scholar, and that of the professional military. These worlds had grown apart in the course of the Ming (1368-1644) dynasty in socio-cultural terms. Moreover, as the original military institutions of the empire broke down during the fifteenth century, the civil bureaucracy assumed a greater role in military affairs, further marginalizing the role of military officers. Nevertheless, Qi Jiguang managed to take advantage of this state of affairs by subscribing to a new activist interpretation of Neo-Confucianism, foremostly pioneered by philosopher and statesman Wang Yangming (1472-1529). This redefined Neo-Confucianism facilitated a fusion of civil and military lifestyles and was embraced by activist-minded civil bureaucrats, scholars, and military men in the sixteenth century. By cultivating ties within this movement, Qi Jiguang built a personal network within the empire’s civil bureaucracy and also gained access to circulating military knowledge. Moreover, Qi Jiguang also adapted Wang Yangming’s philosophy to his military methods and used its precepts to cultivate the courage and moral fiber of his officers and soldiers. Show less

Wang Yangming

Qi Jiguang

Neo Confucianism

Military history

Xinxue

Civil and military relations

Ming dynasty

Knowledge circulation