Chapter 12: The Drawbacks of the Imperial Examination System
Scholars - Bab 12
Zhou Jin and Fan Jin's experiences in officialdom allowed them to deeply recognize the drawbacks of the imperial examination system. Although this system selected talent, it also had many problems.
Kelemahan Sistem Ujian Kekaisaran
The imperial examination mainly tested candidates' understanding and memory of the classics, while neglecting practical abilities. Many candidates rote memorized, lacking innovative thinking and practical abilities. This phenomenon caused the official ranks to lack practical talent.
Pengalaman Zhou Jin dan Fan Jin dalam birokrasi memungkinkan mereka untuk sangat mengenali kelemahan sistem ujian kekaisaran. Meskipun sistem ini memilih bakat, ia juga memiliki banyak masalah.
The questions in the imperial examination were stereotyped, lacking variety. Candidates coped with the examination by memorizing model essays, rather than truly understanding the essence of problems. This made the imperial examination lose its true significance of selecting talent.
Ujian kekaisaran terutama menguji pemahaman dan ingatan kandidat tentang karya klasik, sementara mengabaikan kemampuan praktis. Banyak kandidat menghafal, kurang pemikiran inovatif dan kemampuan praktis. Fenomena ini menyebabkan jajaran pejabat kekurangan bakat praktis.
More importantly, the imperial examination became the only pathway for social mobility. Many people spared no expense to pass the examination, even resorting to bribery and cheating. This phenomenon corrupted the moral atmosphere of the entire society.
Pertanyaan-pertanyaan dalam ujian kekaisaran itu stereotip, kurang variasi. Kandidat mengatasi ujian dengan menghafal esai model, daripada benar-benar memahami esensi masalah. Ini membuat ujian kekaisaran kehilangan makna sebenarnya dari memilih bakat.
Zhou Jin and Fan Jin realized that reform of the imperial examination system was urgent. They hoped to propose some suggestions to make this system more perfect and fair.
Lebih penting lagi, ujian kekaisaran menjadi satu-satunya jalan bagi mobilitas sosial. Banyak orang tidak menyayangkan biaya untuk lulus ujian, bahkan melakukan penyuapan dan kecurangan. Fenomena ini merusak atmosfer moral seluruh masyarakat.
However, they also knew that the imperial examination system was deeply rooted and very difficult to reform. Their suggestions might not be adopted, but they still decided to try.
Zhou Jin dan Fan Jin menyadari bahwa reformasi sistem ujian kekaisaran sangat mendesak. Mereka berharap dapat mengusulkan beberapa saran untuk membuat sistem ini lebih sempurna dan adil.
Namun, mereka juga tahu bahwa sistem ujian kekaisaran berakar dalam dan sangat sulit untuk direformasi. Saran mereka mungkin tidak diadopsi, tetapi mereka tetap memutuskan untuk mencoba.