论战国纵横家产生的历史契机

The Historical Cause for Bringing on Political Strategists in the Warring States

纵横家活跃于战国中后期,是一个精通外交策略和游说说服术并以外交和游说为职业的特殊社会群体。战国时期列国纷争并立的局面给纵横家提供了活动的舞台;七雄实力的对比和各国为了生存而产生的纵横外交策略,是纵横家产生的现实需要;而文化的突破从内容和制度两方面为新兴士人的产生提供了思想基础,为纵横家的出现提供了人才前提;战国乱世世卿世禄制的废除,正规的人才选拔制度的缺失正是纵横家最终以辩术和智谋脱颖而出的历史契机。

Political Strategists were active in the mid-later Warring State Period. They were a special group which were proficient in the diplomatic tactic and canvass art and engaged in diplomatism and canvass. The disputing phase between the dukes provided a stage for the Political Strategists to act. The diversity of strength between the seven magnates and alignment and nonalignment stratagem that all countries have conducted for survival realistically demanded for the Political Strategists. The breakthrough in culture provided the ideological foundation to bring forth the Political Strategists. The abolition of the system that nobilities hereditarily secured an official position and lack of the formal system on talent selection were the cause for Political Strategists to stand out by eloquence and wisdom.