《淮南子》论“奢靡”及其黄老意涵

Luxury and Good Governance——Historical Reflection in Huainanzi

《淮南子》反对统治者在政治上贪图享乐、奢靡成风,在很大程度上视其为王朝发展走向暴政的分水岭。《淮南子》认为奢靡之习不仅无益于统治者自身,而且有害臣、民,根本上损害王朝发展的长治久安。《淮南子》在思想上强调统治者应"治身"为先、节制奢靡之行,实践与民休息、清静无为的"治国"理念。立足黄老思想,《淮南子》强调"奢靡"对王朝政治的有害性,主张统治者应深刻借鉴秦王朝"崇奢虐民"以致速亡的历史教训,秉持"民本"思想,以身治促国治,兼治身、国,在推行利民之善政中实现西汉王朝的良性发展,长治久安。

According to Huainanzi,pleasure-seeking or luxury-seeking practice in the government,to a certain extent,is considered as a watershed towards tyranny or good governance in its development.It is harmful not only to rulers,but also to the bureaucracy and the ordinary people,which fundamentally affects the long-term stability of the dynasty.The rulers should be self-disciplined at first,then coordinate the personal desires and political governance appropriately and practice for the people,by the people.Based on this thought,self-discipline is viewed as the premise to good governance.Rulers should draw lessons from Qin dynasty that implements people-oriented spirit of good governance to achieve the permanent stability of the western Han dynasty.