We at Cafe Astrology tend to shy away from some of the traditional "rules" of attraction. Traditionally, astrologers have interpreted the position and condition of Venus in the natal chart differently depending on the gender of the native.  The reason for treating Venus in men's and women's chart differently is based on the idea that women may tend to "disown" the qualities of Mars in her own chart. Since the energies of Mars have to go somewhere, when a woman doesn't "own", or identify with, her Mars, the energies would be projected onto the men he meets and relates with. Similarly, men are thought to more easily relate to and "own" Mars qualities. The concept of projection is an interesting and valid one. However, while it may hold true with Mars to some extent today, we prefer not to attach gender bias to Venus and Mars. In our experience, men and women tend to take on the role of Venus in their relationships in approximately equal measure.

If a woman's Mars is in Aries, she is often attracted to a strong, independent, and forthright man, perhaps athletic in appearance, but more importantly, direct, confident, and straightforward. Ultra sensitive or shy men are not usually the most attractive men to these women, as they tend to prefer strong and independent types. Men who don't beat around the bush, who state what they want, and who display a certain level of confidence are ideal.

If a woman's Mars is in Taurus, she is often attracted to men who possess a stable, secure, and very strong aura about them. Meat-and-potatoes types are definitely these women's "cup of tea". Unstable, overly intellectual, or "flaky" men are simply not what these women would define "real men". These women like their men simple to please, traditionally masculine,  and strong. They often are especially turned on by men who work with their hands (as opposed to "suits"), men who can build things, and sexually simple but sensual men.  

If a woman's Mars is in Gemini, intelligence ranks very high on her list of ideal qualities in a man. An athletic or tomboyish look, sometimes on the slim side, is often preferred. Wittiness is a huge turn-on for these women. Versatility, liveliness, and playfulness are qualities in men that these women find devastatingly attractive. They're not especially impressed with what they might consider "less evolved" types of men who display more typical, or traditional, masculine traits. Depressed or boring types won't do. These women want to be stimulated, and their brains are their biggest sexual organs.

If a woman's Mars is in Cancer, she may prefer the "sensitive type" of man who is compassionate, sensitive, and protective. These women sometimes are attracted to temperamental sorts, finding moodiness in a man rather intriguing. They want men with "layers" (remember Shrek?). However, they are not into the type of "sensitive" men that Mars in Pisces women are most attracted to. In fact, they generally want men who are strong and traditionally masculine. Generally, these women prefer men who are physically strong or at least look that way--remember that they love to feel protected.

If a woman's Mars is in Leo, she may be attracted to men who are proud, outgoing, and perhaps even gaudy. Aloofness or a dignified, confident aura is usually appealing to these women. These women are more inclined to enjoy men who possess a rather bold, confident manner--and style! Playfulness and fun are very important to these women, and the uptight type or overly serious man is not going to do it for them. Stinginess is a huge turn-off, too. These women want their men generous, dignified, and confident. These women do want their men to be a little possessive and jealous, as it makes them feel more alive, wanted, and attractive.

If a woman's Mars is in Virgo, an appealing man to her is usually an understated, rather simple appearance without too much glamour or ostentatiousness. Healthy, natural, and clean are most appealing physical qualities, and a certain amount of intelligence as well as a modest, sensible approach to life. These women are turned off by men who are overly confident, bossy, or unkind. They are looking for perceptive men who are kind and helpful. Competency is important, but these women aren't big on men who are show-offs. A quietly competent aura is best.

If a woman's Mars is in Libra, she is most attracted to men with understated charm, good manners, and a pleasing and balanced  appearance. Coarseness or rudeness is often a turn-off, and so is independence! These women prefer men who are cooperative and who are willing to please. Romantic men are a huge turn-on, and these women truly appreciate classy sorts.

If a woman's Mars is in Scorpio, a complicated, dark, powerful, and passionate man is the biggest turn-on. This woman wants a man with "layers"--one who has depth and is complicated enough to intrigue her. She is especially attracted to men who ooze sensuality, who are perhaps a little dark and mysterious (even brooding), and who have a magnetic and powerful aura. Intensity is a turn-on for these women--flighty, superficial, and indifferent types need not apply! These women generally do enjoy a certain level of possessiveness in a man

If a woman's Mars is in Sagittarius, she is most impressed with a man who is playful, fun, intelligent, and honest. An energetic, happy aura in a man is often most appealing. Joking around is a must, and a huge turn-on for these women! They want to have a good time, and to have long conversations with their men as well. They are not especially attracted to men who are overly groomed, generally don't like too much "decoration" or men who put on airs.  A tousled, casual appearance is just fine with these women--in fact, it's preferred.  A man's status is not of huge interest to these women--they are looking for honest guys whose egos aren't tied up in what they do for a living or how they look.

If a woman's Mars is in Capricorn, she is generally attracted to competent men, perhaps well-established business types or otherwise accomplished men. She doesn't necessarily go for status, but she does want a man who has an aura of competence about him. She is looking for a certain level of security, and is unimpressed with men who are drifters, irresponsible, or flighty. A stable, directed man with goals in life and a responsible, even serious, attitude to life is important to this woman.

If a woman's Mars is in Aquarius, she can be most impressed by men who are somewhat unconventional or kooky in their choice of clothes and overall style. She wants an interesting man. He can certainly be handsome, but boring? Hardly. A man with a brain is important, although she won't be attracted to a brainy type. Somebody who is perceptive, a little unconventional, and perhaps somewhat aloof is most attractive. Rigid or boring types simply won't do.

If a woman's Mars is in Pisces, she is often impressed with a man who is sensitive, compassionate, and intriguingly complicated. Lacking in confidence is just fine, and so is a touch of helplessness. A "starving artist" type may be appealing, or a man who is downtrodden in some way, as these women enjoy men who have a distinct soft side. The strong, independent types are not turn-ons for these women.

Note that a woman's  Sun sign certainly factors into the "equation" for an ideal man as well as Mars.

Astrology can offer us a few clues as to what types of people men and women are attracted to. What follows is a simplistic model for determining the "ideal" woman for a man.

The position of Venus in a man's chart, by sign.

We at Cafe Astrology tend to shy away from some of the traditional "rules" of attraction. Traditionally, astrologers have interpreted the position and condition of Venus in the natal chart differently depending on the gender of the native.  The reason for treating Venus in men's and women's chart differently is based on the idea that men may tend to "disown" the qualities of Venus in his own chart. Since the energies of Venus have to go somewhere, when a man doesn't "own", or identify with, his Venus, the energies would be projected onto the women he meets and relates with. Similarly, women are thought to more easily relate to and "own" Venus qualities. The concept of projection is an interesting and valid one. However, while it may hold true with Venus to some extent today, we prefer not to attach gender bias to Venus and Mars. In our experience, men and women tend to take on the role of Venus in their relationships in approximately equal measure.

If a man's Venus is in Aries, he is often attracted to a tomboyish woman, perhaps athletic in appearance, but more importantly, direct, forthright, and straightforward. Ultra sensitive or shy women are not usually the most attractive women to these men, as they tend to prefer strong and independent types.

If a man's Venus is in Taurus, he is often attracted to women with hourglass figures, who come across as natural and calm, and rather feminine. More traditional feminine types are often preferred, as opposed to aggressive or in-your-face personas. Sensual but simple auras are most attractive to these men. Sweetness, and a simple voluptuousness in a woman is ideal. 

If a man's Venus is in Gemini, intelligence or liveliness are often more important than drop-dead good looks. An athletic or tomboyish look, sometimes on the slim side, is often preferred. 

If a man's Venus is in Cancer, he may prefer women who come across as sweet, soft, and warm. He is not as inclined to go for women who are model-thin, tomboy-ish, or for the high-profile career type. He often is attracted to more traditionally feminine looks, simply dressed (not gaudy or flashy). Understated but feminine summer dresses, accentuated breasts (natural, not "enhanced"), an aura of innocence or neediness, and the promise of devotedness are usually turn-ons. Venus in Cancer men often go out of their way to avoid feeling rejected, and this is mirrored in their attraction to women who are not too aggressive, loud, or overly confident.

If a man's Venus is in Leo, he may be attracted to women who are proud, outgoing, and perhaps even gaudy. Aloofness or a dignified, confident aura is usually appealing to these men. These men are more inclined to enjoy women who wear a good deal of makeup and jewelry. Flashiness is often appealing, although some will prefer a slightly more understated look. The bottom line, however, is usually a rather bold, confident manner.

If a man's Venus is in Virgo, an appealing woman to him is usually an understated, rather simple appearance without too much glamour or ostentatiousness. Healthy, natural, and clean are most appealing physical qualities, and a certain amount of intelligence as well as a modest, sensible approach to life.

If a man's Venus is in Libra, he is most attracted to femininity expressed as understated charm, good manners, and a simple but beautiful appearance. Coarseness or rudeness is often a turn-off.

If a man's Venus is in Scorpio, the femme fatale is just fine for him. He is especially attracted to women who ooze sensuality, who are perhaps a little dark and mysterious, and who have a magnetic and powerful aura. 

If a man's Venus is in Sagittarius, an energetic, happy aura in a woman is often most appealing. Generally these men are attracted to a clean, robust, athletic look, generally slim but not necessarily well-groomed. A tousled, casual appearance is just fine with these men.  

If a man's Venus is in Capricorn, he often finds a woman who has an aura of competence about her very appealing. More classic looks, as well as a career-oriented look are most appealing. Sometimes, older women are especially appealing to these men.

If a man's Venus is in Aquarius, he can be most impressed by women who are somewhat unconventional or kooky in their choice of clothes and overall style. He wants an interesting woman. She can certainly be beautiful, but boring? Hardly. 

If a man's Venus is in Pisces, he is often impressed with a feminine aura of softness, sweetness, and neediness to a certain degree. She need not be robust or aggressive. Lacking in confidence is just fine, and so is a touch of helplessness. 

A man's Moon sign certainly factors into the "equation". While Venus offers clues as to what type of women and situations attract a man on a romantic level, the Moon reveals what qualities makes a man feel comfortable and warm. Sometimes we see men with very different Venus and Moon signs who have distinctly different "types" of women when it comes to pure attraction and those he would consider as long-term or relationship material. For example, a man with Venus in Aries and Moon in Taurus might be attracted to forthright, independent women in general, but as far as "selecting" a woman for a long-term partnership goes, he might choose a more demure woman with steady affections and a softer, more traditionally "feminine" personality and/or appearance.

作者：dr.bear

——读孙家洲教授《论中国古代的盛衰巨变》

近十几年来，一些历史小说特别是一些以历史为题材的影视作品，对中国古代社会的盛世明君刻意渲染，虽然也使受众从欣赏中得到一种艺术享受和心理放松，甚至还能从中获取一些历史知识，悟出一些人生哲理，但它们毕竟都是艺术作品，难免借历史的题材兜售自己的私货，因而再逼真的历史小说、影视剧也与历史的真实有很大的距离。那么，如何正确地认识中国历史上的盛世明君和中国古代社会的盛衰巨变呢？路径只有一条，就是从汗牛充栋的古今历史著述中去寻找。当然，为了正确地引导，史学家有特别的责任，这也许能让你对历史的盛世有更科学、更准确的印象。

在中国古代社会，盛衰兴亡构成历史发展的主体脉络。盛世一旦出现，就以国家统一、社会稳定、经济发展、文化繁荣、吏治清明等鲜明特征在历史上留下重要篇章。然而，不无遗憾的是，历史上的“盛世”大多难以维持很长时间，衰乱之局即接踵而至。这种一再重演的盛衰巨变，甚至比盛世本身更具有研究价值。因为，“通古今之变”与“原始察终，见盛观衰”，既是历史学家的著述宗旨，也是社会进步对历史学的期许之一。 

一、盛世气象

在中国历史上，每一次盛世的到来，都需要整个社会特别是统治集团付出艰苦努力。而盛世一旦出现，又往往具有以下特点。 

国家统一，社会稳定。西周盛世“成康之治”出现在平定“三监叛乱”、大规模地推行分封制度之后，而西周衰世的到来则以周王室丧失对诸侯的有效控制为标志。西汉盛世出现在平定“吴楚七国之乱”、中央集权统治秩序确立之后。大唐盛世也在经历唐太宗、唐玄宗的长期苦心经营，消灭地方割据势力、结束上层政治权力纷争之后，方得以形成。清代盛世同样是以康熙平定“三藩叛乱”、平定台湾、平定西北与西藏为起点。可见，建立盛世，首先要致力于达成全国的统一与稳定。与此相反，如果没有“大一统”的政治局面，即便是在某个时期出现了励精图治的名君贤相，甚至一度形成了经济繁荣、文化发展的盛世景象，但对立政权之间的大规模战争一旦发生，来之不易的治世根基也会被摧毁，盛世出现的机遇就会与人们擦肩而过。譬如，苻坚和王猛领导下的前秦，出现过近于盛世的气象，但随着“淝水之战”的失败，机遇不再。南朝刘宋时期一度出现“元嘉之治”，但由于北魏与刘宋之间的大战而美梦难圆。被称为“小尧舜”的金世宗也算得上中国古代的一个明君，但在宋、金两国相互攻伐的特定背景下，还是无法实现建立盛世的梦想。正反两方面的史实都证明，离开政治统一、社会稳定这一基本前提，盛世便无从建立。 

边疆与民族问题得以有效解决。在一个统一多民族国家，欲缔造盛世，还必须解决边疆与民族问题，使之处于中央政府的有效控制之下。这是一个复杂、曲折的历史过程，往往与建设盛世的努力相伴而行。西汉王朝的开国皇帝刘邦，在经历“白登之围”后，深知以当时的国力，无法与北方强敌匈奴相抗衡，只好奉行“和亲”政策。到汉武帝时，反击匈奴的大规模战争持续了几十年。由此可见，解决匈奴问题是当时关系全局的国策。唐太宗即位之初，为解除突厥的军事威胁，派遣李靖、李统兵十余万分路征讨，终于消除边患，随之又对突厥降众实行开明的统治政策，使得其他北方各族首领归心朝廷，共同推尊唐太宗为“天可汗”。清代康乾盛世的出现，同样与大规模的边疆经略密不可分。康熙帝平定蒙古准噶尔部首领噶尔丹的叛乱，设驻藏大臣长住西藏，在雅克萨之战中两次击败入侵的俄罗斯军队，签定中俄《尼布楚条约》。乾隆帝以“十全武功”自诩，恰恰说明保证边疆的稳定是建设盛世的重要内容。 

经济发展，国富民强。“文景之治”之所以被称为西汉盛世，就是它改变了汉初经济凋敝的窘况，出现了“京师之钱累百巨万，贯朽而不可校。太仓之粟陈陈相因，充溢露积于外，腐败不可食”的富裕气象。唐代的开元盛世，更是留下许多国泰民安、官私富裕的佳话。“忆昔开元全盛日，小邑犹藏万家室。稻米流脂粟米白，公私仓廪俱丰实。”读罢大诗人杜甫的这首《忆昔》诗，户口繁盛、食货丰足的盛世景象已是历历在目。清代前期推行一系列轻徭薄赋的制度和政策，造就了“康乾盛世”。这一时期农业与商品经济发展速度之快、财政收入之高，都达到了我国古代社会的最高水平。正如陈桦教授所断言，“康雍乾时期，政府财政规模不断扩大。乾隆朝每年的财政收入基本保持在5000万两白银左右，这在中国封建社会财政史中是空前的。”（参见：郭成康等著《康乾盛世历史报告》）由此可见，经济繁荣是社会发展的根本；民富国强是支撑盛世不可或缺的物质基础。 

致力于推动文化繁荣。在一个具有悠久文明的国度，文化繁荣也是形成盛世的重要标志。由朝廷出面组织，进行搜集和整理图籍文献、兴办学校、编纂史书等大型文化工程，成为“盛世文运”的主要表现形式。汉武帝“建藏书之策，置写书之官，下及诸子传说，皆充秘府”（《汉书·艺文志》）。贞观盛世时，“高丽、百济、新罗、高昌、吐蕃诸国酋长，亦遣子弟请入国学。……国学之盛，近古未有。”（《唐会要》卷三十五《学校》）清代统治者在大搞“文字狱”的同时，也极力显示其推进文化建设的气魄。《康熙字典》、《古今图书集成》、《四库全书》的编纂，考据学的兴盛，一批考史、论史名著的涌现，使清代学术取得“超汉越宋”的历史地位，史称“康、乾盛治，文教大昌”。 

在君主专制政体之下，皇帝居于至尊地位，对国运的兴衰承担着最高责任。君臣同德，励精图治，缔造盛世的明君，除了勤政这一基本条件之外，还必须具备两项风范：真心求谏、纳谏，广开言路；知人善任，造成人才济济的局面。汉文帝为了鼓励臣下进谏，下诏废除“诽谤”、“妖言”之法。“贞观之治”之所以彪炳青史，与唐太宗主动求谏、纳谏有极大关系。《贞观政要》、《魏郑公谏录》两部历史文献，大量记载了唐太宗与魏征等人有关进谏的嘉言善行，向后人展示了一代君臣苦心求治的风范。从各个阶层特别是下层社会选拔英才进入统治集团，以加强政治活力，同样是盛世气象之一。班固对武帝时期的人才之盛津津乐道：“汉之得人，于兹为盛。”（《汉书·公孙弘卜式宽传》）唐太宗李世民选拔人才，始终贯彻“拔人物则不私于党，负志业则咸尽其才”（《旧唐书·太宗本纪下》）的原则，只要是可用之人，皆委以重任而不计较其原属于何种政治集团、地域集团。 

二、盛衰巨变 

盛世的缔造，需要几代人持之以恒的艰苦努力；但盛世的崩溃，却可以在极短的时间内定局。唐代的开元、天宝之盛，为古史所仅见，但“安史之乱”的狂飙吹散了旷代荣华，唐朝无可挽回地走向了衰世。康乾盛世是何等辉煌，但乾隆晚年所积累的统治危机，在嘉庆初年就以白莲教起事为标志猛然爆发，清朝自此踏上了风雨飘摇的道路。研究“盛极必衰”这一反复出现的历史现象，我们可以从中得到许多带有规律性的认识。 

“靡不有初，鲜克有终。”出自《诗经·大雅·荡》的这句名言，在古代经史典籍中被反复征引。它告诫人们：有一个成功的开端并不困难，但真正能够把它长期保持下去却非常罕见。同样，创造盛世必不可少的求治之心和全力以赴的实干精神，往往会在成功的喜悦之中逐渐衰减和消解。《新唐书·地理志一》在总结隋朝“盛极必衰”的历史教训时，得出了“殆忽骄满，常因盛大，可不戒哉”的结论，实在具有普遍意义。创造贞观之治的唐太宗，也因滋生骄傲自大之心，无法真正做到善始善终。贞观十三年，魏征针对唐太宗渐好奢纵的倾向，献上直言进谏名篇《十渐不克终疏》，指出唐太宗的志业与贞观初年相比，在十个方面都出现了今不如昔的变化，求治之心锐减而骄逸之心渐萌。好在唐太宗还能够听得进魏征等人的谏言，引以为戒。唐玄宗的悲剧则向人们直白地展示出骄纵误国、懈怠败事的道理。唐玄宗有着过人的魄力和才智，曾把内乱不已的唐朝导向“开元盛世”，但在晚年已无心理政，把朝廷政事交付给杨国忠之流，以至造成“渔阳鼙鼓动地来，惊破霓裳羽衣曲”的悲惨局面，百年基业与一世盛名毁于一旦。其实，成于勤奋努力，毁于懈怠骄纵，这是一个并不深奥的道理，只是历代统治者有几人能善始而慎终呢？ 

上下相蒙，制度法律皆成官样文章。由盛而衰的变化，往往不在于制度、法律出现真空，而恰恰是制度与法律依然如故，却丧失了约束力，形同虚设，徒为具文。报喜不报忧、阿谀逢迎成为官场的公开秘密。这种上下相蒙的景况，甚至比制度、法律不健全更为可怕。汉代的察举制度，本来是为选拔国家所急需的各类人才而设立，它也为汉代盛世提供了源源不断的人才资源。但到东汉后期，虚伪浮华之风、官场请托之弊，日益严重，致成察举失实、名实相背的之病。正因为如此，对汉代的由盛转衰而痛心疾首的政论家王符，把法令是否真正得到贯彻执行，视为决定国家治乱的根本，“国无常治，又无常乱，法令行则国治，法令弛则国乱。”（《潜夫论·述赦》）上下相蒙的危害，历代贤哲多有指陈，并一再发出重视实效、摈除虚文的呼吁。但每当盛衰转变之际，良制美意往往流为虚文，使国家尊严受到戏弄和亵渎。 

贪黩误国，渐成“覆舟”之局。贪官污吏横行不法，是吏治败坏的直接表现，也是一个政权丧失民心的快捷渠道。历代明于治体的统治者，都把防范和严惩贪污视为吏治根本。但令人触目惊心的是，贪官污吏总是禁而不绝。明清时期的州县衙门内，都树立着一方告戒官员不得贪污的“戒石铭”，其文为“尔俸尔禄，民膏民脂。下民易虐，上天难欺”。这是在动用道德良心和上天威严两种机制遏制官员的贪欲，用心良苦，然而作用非常有限。盛世明君虽然无法根除贪污之弊，但还有能力把贪污之害控制在一定范围之内，尚不至于导致大局靡烂。而在由盛转衰之际，朝廷对贪官污吏一旦失控，便会造成滔天大祸。唐玄宗时期，杨国忠以聚敛财务为乐事，生活极度奢侈腐化。安史之乱爆发，杨氏虽然被诛，但开元盛世却再也无法重现。清朝立国之初，就非常注意从反对贪污入手来整顿吏治。然而，位居政枢的大官僚肆行贪污却一直是大清盛世挥之不去的噩梦。康熙时期的索额图、明珠，雍正年间的年羹尧、隆科多，固然是练达吏事的能臣，同时也是敢于侵吞国家府库的大贪污犯。特别是到乾隆中后期，虽屡兴严惩贪污的大案，但贪污之风却愈演愈烈。最具有讽刺意味的是，就在自称“严绳墨吏”的乾隆皇帝身边，出现了一位被称为“贪污之王”的大贪官和。贪官污吏横行，所造成的社会灾难是多方面的，既有吏治与社会风气的败坏，也有国家财产的化公为私，更重要的是它可以成为“官逼民反”的导火索，把民众推向政权的对立面。 

三、盛世透视 

盛世是一个充满诱惑、令人仰慕的政治术语和历史名词。它总是承载着过多的荣耀。其实，与热情的讴歌相比，对盛世加以理性的透视，无疑具有积极的意义。 

与人们对盛世的期许之殷相比，真正的盛世其实很少。在我国四五千年的文明史上，名实相符的盛世能有几许？“成康之治”几乎成为“三代盛世”的代名词，而真正可以落实的也不过是“刑错（措）而不用”等有限的片段记载。真正有详实资料可供研究、并得到一致认可的盛世，只有三个历史时段：西汉自“文景之治”到武宣之世；唐代从“贞观之治”到“开元盛世”；清代的“康乾盛世”。累计盛世的存续时间不过四百年左右（东汉前期的“明章之治”、明代中叶的“仁宣之治”能否归属盛世，见仁见智）。而平庸之世、衰乱之世，倒占据了古史的绝大比例。汉魏之交的历史学家荀悦在《申鉴·政体》中，把国家政局分为治、衰、弱、乖、乱、荒、叛、危、亡九种形态，“治世”仅居其一；而且某些时期的“治世”尚未达到“盛世”的境界，可见盛世出现的几率很低。有了这个基本估价，我们才可以理解，古人为何把“欣逢盛世”视为莫大的幸运。 

青史对盛世的筛选凝聚着批判暴政的人文精神。有意思的是，盛世虽以国家的统一与强盛为要素，但并非所有达到这一条件的政权都能得到“盛世”的定评。某些历史时段，本来具备了盛世的一般特征，但煌煌青史却吝于以“盛世”为称。如隋朝的国力一度达到鼎盛，隋代粮仓库存之丰富，让后人惊诧不已；所开通的大运河，作为沟通南北经济文化交流的大动脉，也曾造福百代。其所成就，不可谓不大。又如武则天在位时，破格用人，严于治吏，大力发展农业，促成了社会的稳定，完成了由贞观之治向开元之治的过渡。再如明成祖亲征漠北，一手缔造有明一代军事力量的鼎盛；派遣郑和率船队“七下西洋”，又组织编撰《永乐大典》，也足称得上是旷代盛举。然而，历史定评从来不把隋炀帝、武则天、明成祖统治时期称为“盛世”。究其原因，或是奴役百姓、涂炭天下；或是任用酷吏、诛杀政敌过于酷滥；或是恃强横行、杀戮忠良而株连无辜。 

传统史书对盛世的记载与歌颂，不可盲目崇信。对屈指可数的几个盛世阶段，史书都不乏歌功颂德之辞。然而，稍加冷眼旁观，就不难发现其中有大量的不实之辞、过誉之说。

汉文帝时的政论家贾谊指出：那些说天下已经平安大治的人“非愚则谀”，真实的情况却是“可为痛哭者一，可为流涕者二，可为长大息者六，若其它背理而伤道者，难遍以疏举。”（《汉书·贾谊传》）汉景帝时，天下号为富强，但是晁错却在上书中为农民算账，得出的结论是：农夫终年辛劳，却入不敷出，生活在困苦之中。唐代的两大盛世，始终贯穿着无休止的宫廷权力之争，特别是玄宗后期，坐视关系国家大计的均田之法、府兵之制日趋瓦解而不事补救，终于养虎遗患，酿成大祸。康乾盛世在疆域事功、经济发展方面确有超越前代之处，但存在两大根本缺陷：其一，对思想的高压控制和暴力摧残，特别是大规模推行残酷的“文字狱”，暴露了中国古代文化专制的罪恶，这与汉唐时期宽容、开放的文化风貌相比，不知要落后多少；其二，在东西方文化交流以全新格局展开之时，乾隆朝却以夜郎自大的心态，关闭了与世界交流的大门，也就从根本上决定了中国的落伍和落后。

历史上的“盛世”之说之所以不可盲目崇信，并不仅仅是因为旧史有“曲笔”之弊，而是旨在强调要科学地认识封建专制制度的本质并加以批判。章士钊先生在民国初年曾经指出：“大抵以国家为逐利之资，实吾国数千年来治乱兴亡之恒轨。”“专制之效，或有可观，特亦赌而后赢者耳。”（章士钊《国家与责任》）这种认识真是入木三分，值得我们深思。