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Author: Li Yuanyan, translated by Li Wenjuan
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-05-01
Features: Guan Zhong (725–645 BC), also known as Guan Yingwu, was a prominent statesman, military strategist, economist, and philosopher in the early Spring and Autumn period, hailing from Yingshang. His given name was Yiyou, and his courtesy name was Zhong. He lived during a time of profound social upheaval in Chinese history, marked by the decline of ritual propriety and the rapid transformation of society. After several changes in his career, Guan Zhong was recommended by Bao Shuya and appointed as a minister by Duke Huan of Qi, earning the respectful title "Zhongfu." During the 40 years of his service as the chief minister of Qi, he implemented bold reforms in military, political, taxation, and salt and iron policies, significantly strengthening the state. He assisted Duke Huan in advocating the slogan "Respecting the king and expelling the barbarians," unifying the nine states and correcting the world, making Qi a dominant power in the Spring and Autumn period. Guan Zhong's ideas and wisdom are reflected in the Guanzi (Master Guan). The Guanzi originally consisted of 86 chapters, with 10 lost, leaving 76 extant chapters. Later scholars believed it was not the work of a single person or a single period, incorporating texts from the Warring States, Qin, and Han dynasties, and compiling a collection of thoughts and theories from the "Guan Zhong school." Its content is vast and profound, primarily based on Legalist and Taoist ideas, while also incorporating Confucian, military strategist, Diplomatist, Agriculturalist, and Yin-Yang school thoughts. It even touches on topics such as astronomy, ethics, geography, and education. Among the pre-Qin philosophers, the Guanzi is considered the most extensive and unparalleled. It can be said that the Guanzi is the largest heterogeneous work in the pre-Qin period to stand alone as a distinct school of thought. Due to its significant position in the Hundred Schools of Thought, Guan Zhong's ideas were regarded as secret treasures by later generations. Limited by space, this book selects 17 chapters from the Guanzi, covering Guan Zhong's ideas and perspectives, as well as their historical and contemporary relevance. For example, Xiao Kuang reflects Guan Zhong's economic theories of "taxing based on land quality" and "dividing the four classes of people for their respective occupations." Mu Min embodies Guan Zhong's socio-economic thought that "when granaries are full, people know propriety; when clothing and food are sufficient, people know honor." Chapters such as Mu Min, Xing Shi, Quan Xiu, and Li Zheng discuss the governance of the state and strategies for ruling from different angles. Xiao Kuang and others frequently address military organization. Nei Yi proposes the philosophical idea that "the laws of heaven and the changes of the human heart are intertwined." Additionally, Ren Fa and Fa Jin primarily reflect Legalist thought, while Zhou He embodies Yin-Yang school ideas, and so on.