Oratory and Democracy in China

The Annals of the Warring States records the School of Diplomacy at work during one of the most captivating times in Chinese history. In four dialogues - 'Zou Ji Advising the King of Qi to Invite Counsel', 'Yan Chu Persuading the King of Qi', 'Dowager Queen Wei of Zhao Questioning the Ambassador of Qi', and 'Tang Ju Accomplishing His Mission' - thinking beings challenge sovereign power in ways that surprise and resonate. Selected and translated by Mingyuan Hu, these dialogues make visible an astonishing relationship between politics and the intellect. They echo our notions of oratory and democracy in differing contexts.