How to Surpass the Qin: On Jia Yi’s Intentions in the Guo Qin lun

In the famous chapters on the flaws of the Qin (221–207 BCE) dynasty, Jia Yi (200– 168 BCE) deals with the reasons for the Qin’s defeat. This article, grounded in pre- vious scholarship, will analyze Jia Yi’s discussion of the fall of the Qin and will show that the negative depiction of Qin policies was part of Jia Yi’s strategy for imple- menting the political agenda of the Han. Moreover I argue that the Guo Qin lun, or “To Surpass the Qin,” is not simply a historical analysis, but a political treatise that also deals with: (1) heeding the advice of meritorious ministers; (2) persuading the emperor to apply policies to bring tranquility to the people.