Sima Jizhu: The Sage and Diviner in "Records of the Grand Historian"

Brief Introduction

Sima Jizhu was a legendary diviner from the early Western Han dynasty, originally from the Chu region. In Sima Qian's Records of the Grand Historian: Biographies of Diviners (Shiji: Ri Zhe Lie Zhuan), he is not renowned for the accuracy of his predictions. Instead, he became a unique spiritual benchmark in the book due to his profound moral philosophy and upright personality. He represents the idealized image of a "scholar" (Shi) in Sima Qian's mind—someone who, even while working in the marketplace divination industry, adheres to righteousness. He embodies the collective wisdom of the Han dynasty commoners.

Core Knowledge Points

1. A Moral Definition of Divination
Sima Jizhu redefined the responsibilities of a diviner. He believed that true divination should not be about "confusing the masses for profit," but rather to "align with Heaven and respond to Humanity." He emphasized that the core role of a diviner is to guide people in self-cultivation, seeking good fortune and avoiding misfortune, rather than merely peering into fate or catering to the powerful. This perspective elevated superstitious activities to the height of ethics and morality, arguing that a "diviner" is essentially a "keeper of the Dao" (Way).

2. A Critical Comparison of Ancient and Contemporary Customs
In his dialogue, Sima Jizhu bitterly criticized the corrupt atmosphere among diviners of his time, who often spoke of fortune and misfortune to confuse people and flattered those in power. In contrast, he stated that ancient diviners "spoke with trustworthiness and acted with decisiveness," never deceiving even in private. He sharply pointed out that officials of the time, despite holding high positions, knew no shame, and were thus less principled than diviners in the marketplace. This comparison actually conveyed Sima Qian's deep concerns and criticisms regarding the moral decline and official corruption during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han.

3. A Philosophy of Integrity in Adversity
He advocated the principle that "the gentleman remains steadfast in adversity." Even in the marketplace, one must maintain integrity and not drift with the tide. He believed that while fate may be predetermined, human moral choices are more important. This thought reflects the persistence of intellectuals in maintaining personal integrity and their profound reflection on the distinction between "righteousness and profit" within the context of the convergence of Confucianism and Daoism during the Han dynasty.

Connection to "Records of the Grand Historian"

The story of Sima Jizhu is primarily unfolded through the plot of Dongfang Shuo visiting Sima Jizhu. Although Dongfang Shuo was known as a witty and intelligent man, he humbly sought teaching from Sima Jizhu. This arrangement is highly significant.

1. The Technique of Satirizing the Present through the Past
Sima Qian included Sima Jizhu in the biographies to indicate that even "diviners" can carry the Dao. This dialogue is not merely an exchange between characters; it is Sima Qian using Sima Jizhu's voice to express his own feelings about the rise and fall of history and the loss of morality. Through Sima Jizhu, the book criticizes officials who "hold high positions yet know no shame," contrasting them with the nobility of diviners. This embodies Sima Qian's spirit as a historian: "no false praise, no concealed evil."

2. The Supplementary Significance of the Biography
As a rare industry biography in the Records of the Grand Historian, the Biographies of Diviners enriches the social portrait of the Han dynasty through the image of Sima Jizhu. It demonstrates how folk sages maintained independent personalities outside the imperial power and bureaucratic system. Living in the era of Emperor Wu, facing powerful imperial authority, Sima Qian used the image of Sima Jizhu to entrust his own pursuit of independent personality and moral ideals.

Conclusion

The image of Sima Jizhu transcends mere superstition, reflecting the desire of Han dynasty intellectuals to reconstruct moral order. He is a concrete embodiment of Sima Qian's thought on "investigating the relationship between heaven and humanity." He reminds later generations that regardless of status, moral integrity is the foundation of standing in society. In the grand narrative of the Records of the Grand Historian, Sima Jizhu, with his unique voice, leaves behind a mirror for future generations to examine morality and fate.