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Guan Ning

Late Han and Wei recluse-scholar who taught in Liaodong for decades, refused office, and is famed for severing the mat.

Also known as Zi You'an

Guan Ning, courtesy name You'an, came from Zhuxu in Beihai and was said to descend from Guan Zhong. In youth he was a friend of Hua Xin and Bing Yuan. When the Han collapsed into war he took refuge in Liaodong under Gongsun Du, where he taught the Odes, the Documents and ritual to the locals for over thirty years. Emperors Wen and Ming of Wei repeatedly summoned him to high office, but he always declined, and he died in 241. The New Account of Tales of the World tells how he cut the mat he shared with Hua Xin after seeing his friend's longing for rank, the story of Guan Ning Severing the Mat.

Life and times

  1. 158BornHanThree Kingdoms
  2. 241 CEDied

Records

Taught the Songs and Documents in Liaodong

Late Han to Wei

The Records of the Three Kingdoms says Guan Ning, styled You'an, of Zhuxu in Beihai, was a friend of Hua Xin and Bing Yuan. A note quoting the Fuzi says that in Liaodong he lectured on the Songs and Documents, set out ritual vessels, ordered his bearing and made courtesy and deference clear, and that the people were changed by his virtue. Emperor Wen of Wei summoned him as grand master of the palace and Emperor Ming as minister of the household; he firmly refused both and died at eighty-four.

References (1)