『史記』｢孟嘗君列傳｣의 서사 구조를 통해 본 맹상군의 인재관 고찰

A Study on Mengchangjun’s Talent Philosophy through the Narrative Structure in the “Biography of Mengchangjun” in Records of the Grand Historian(Shiji)

본고는 『史記』｢孟嘗君列傳｣에서 ‘太史公曰’과 서두에 나타난 ‘招致’ 일화가 호응하는구도와 맹상군의 전기 및 풍환 서사 구조를 중심으로 사마천의 “好客自喜, 名不虛矣” 관점에서 인물 형상의 특징을 살펴보고 맹상군의 인재관을 고찰한 것이다. ｢孟嘗君列傳｣서두의 전영과의 대화문을 통해 맹상군의 호방한 기질과 주도적인 면을확인할 수 있으며, 여기에는 사마천의 천명론적 시각도 엿볼 수 있다. 또한, 맹상군이 설 땅에 있을 때를 비롯하여 재상 시절을 거쳐 사후 기록 이후 풍환 일화를 배치하는 逆行的 서사 전개는 맹상군 인재관의 양면성을 보여준다. 사마천은 사공자 중 맹상군이 직계라는 출신 배경의 특징적 면모를 서술하고 맹상군에 대해 뛰어난 인재 양성 능력자요, 포용력을 갖춘 인재상을 보여주었다. 아울러 풍환이라는 인재를 알아보지 못한 허점과 한계도 가감없이 묘사하면서도, ‘好客’과 ‘自 喜’를 넘나드는 맹상군의 독특한 인재관을 제시하였다.

This study examines the structural correspondence between ‘太史公曰 (Taishigongyue, the grand historian’s comments)’ and the ‘招致(zhaozhi, recruitment)’ episode at the beginning of the “Biography of Mengchangjun” in Shiji, focusing on the biographical narrative of Mengchangjun and the unique narrative structure of the Feng Huan episode. Through Sima Qian’s perspective of ‘好客自喜, 名不虛矣(haokezixi mingbuxuyi, self-gratifying hospitality and well-deserved reputation)’, this paper investigates the characteristics of character portrayal and Mengchangjun’s philosophy of talent management. The dialogue with Tian Ying at the beginning of the biography reveals Mengchangjun’s bold temperament and assertive nature, while also reflecting Sima Qian’s view on the mandate of Heaven. The unique retrograde narrative structure—progressing from his early life through his tenure as prime minister to posthumous records, followed by the Feng Huan episode—demonstrates the dual nature of Mengchangjun’s approach to talent management. Sima Qian emphasized Mengchangjun’s superiority among the Four Lords for his ability to attract numerous guests without regard to social status or rank. The ‘鷄鳴狗盜 (jiwugoudao, cock-crow and dog-thief)’ anecdote literarily depicts how Mengchangjun’s talent cultivation transcended mere fondness for guests to become a playful attitude of self-enjoyment. While portraying Mengchangjun’s pragmatic philosophy of utilizing any type of talent for public benefit behind the façade of private power and security, Sima Qian presents an ambivalent perspective that acknowledges both the distinguished aspects of his talent cultivation activities and their lack of public value. Sima Qian highlights the distinctive features of Mengchangjun’s direct lineage among the 四公子(sigongzi, four Lords) and recognizes him as an exceptional talent cultivator with an inclusive philosophy. By simultaneously depicting his failure to recognize Feng Huan’s talent, revealing both strengths and limitations, Sima Qian presents Mengchangjun’s innovative approach to talent philosophy as an open leader who transcends the boundaries between ‘好客(haoke, hospitality toward guests)’ and ‘自喜(zixi, self-gratification)’