Question

In the past, we have always had a deep attachment for the ways of China and all of our institutions have been modeled upon those of T'ang. But our country occupies a different geographical location and our people's character is different from that of the Chinese. Hence, there is no reason to strain ourselves unreasonably to copy the Chinese way. [Mongolia] is a nation of savage beasts, and its language and customs are also different. Its dress and institutions should never be copied. Which civilization does Wang Kon argue should never be copied?

A) Mongol
B) Japanese
C) Chinese
D) T’ang

Answer 1

Wang Kon argued that the civilization which should never be copied is the Chinese civilization. In his statement, he mentioned that the people and location of their country are different from that of the Chinese, and therefore there is no reason to strain themselves unreasonably to copy the Chinese way.

Step-by-step explanation:

In his statement, Wang Kon argues that the civilization that should never be copied is the Mongol civilization. He refers to Mongolia as 'a nation of savage beasts' with different language, customs, dress, and institutions, suggesting that these should not be emulated. This reflects the historical context where rulers incorporated elements of Chinese political culture into their governmental organization while maintaining a distance from their Chinese subjects, emphasizing ethnic hierarchy and enacting policies to prevent cultural assimilation.