儒學與大一統封建專制主義國家制度結合的功過是非，歷來是引起爭論的焦點。而如何理解儒家外王學說的核心《春秋》大一統思想的內在價值和外在功能，又是關鍵之所在。然而，由於其表述方式的隱諱，迄今，這仍是引起種種歧義的根源。本文認為，儒家《春秋》大一統思想是尊王說與革命說的統一體，其價值理想與君主專制主義及「任力而不任德」的歷史進程是相背離的，於是迫使其不得不以「非常異議可怪之論」的表述方式與社會的實際進程結合起來。這種吊詭式的二重變奏的歷史結合方式，即人類理想與社會歷史進程的相互制約機制，是使中國沒有走上羅馬帝國分崩離析的道路，大一統局面延續兩千多年之久的根本原因。圍繞這一主題，本文涉及的諸多方面，亦自具特色，聊備一說。

　　　　　The combination of Confucianism and feudal autocracy in creating a unified China has always been a controversial subject. It is thus essential to find a way to understand the inner values and outer practices in the theory of “Outer Kingliness” (wai wang) in the “Spring and Autumn Annals”. The explanation for this theory has always been obscure, so its origin has been considered from many sources. This article contends that the “Unify China” theory found expression from the “Spring and Autumn Annals” notions of “respect for the monarch” (zun wang), and “revolution” (ge ming shuo). The “Unify China” theory was historically opposed to feudal aristocracy and the notion of “employing power, not morality” (ren lier bu ren de). These two theories have always held each other in check in the course of Chinese history. They have kept China from disintegrating as the Roman empire had. This article attempts to explain this political phenomenon and its special characteristics.