Emperor Kangxi's Reflections

The Chinese emperor Kangxi, who ruled for a lengthy 61 years from 1661 to 1722 was a man of great power and principle who extended his country's control "deep into inner Asia." Kangxi was a man whose decisions greatly impacted the day-to-day lives of his people.

The emperor used his power by often making examples of those who were not of high moral values, character, or action, sometimes by putting them to death. He states that the emperor has the power to give and take away his people's lives. He believes that "sometimes people have to be persuaded into morality by the example of an execution." It was through his decisions and use of executions that he demonstrated both his power and his mercifulness. He would spare many lives each year when giving the final verdict on death sentences. Kangxi's power is also shown by his dominion over all his officials and common people.

Although Kangxi had considerable absolute power, there were significant limitations on that power. Because his empire was vast and his peoples so widely dispersed, he could not ensure that every area was acting according to his high moral principles. Thus corruption of public officials was an occurrence, for "there is no way the emperor can know every official in the country." The limits of his power are also shown in the actions of the Bureau of Astronomy when they "distort the truth" and he was forced to make his own calculations on the matter.

By having to rely on officials themselves for information, Kangxi was forced "to make his own inquiries" to the common people due to the unreliability of his officials. Kangxi viewed many of his officials as "stupid and arrogant" people who abused their power. These officials would then act in "cliques," which prevented Kangxi from fully relying on the truth of their statements. His attitudes toward his officials is reflected in the fact that he has to speak with so many "common people" to hear factual information about what is really occurring in his empire. Kangxi also is of the opinion that some of his officials do not even deserve to be officials because of the way the tests were designed so "the successful ones had often done no more than memorize old examination books."

Kangxi was an emperor who appears to have governed extremely fairly. He wishes that all of his people would live lives of high "moral principle," but he is unafraid to use execution to make examples of those who do not. He understands that the views of his officials are not necessarily the views or wishes of the common people in may cases, and thus he travels to get their first-hand opinions. Kangxi also realizes that the way official exams are conducted is causing "talent to be lost." Overall, Kangxi is an emperor who seems to rule in a way reflective of the wants and in the best interest of his subjects.