Therefore, if we want to study Chinese political history, social history, or economic history, we should only study it within the unity of cultural traditions and cannot separate them separately. We should study economic history from the perspective of political history and social history, we should study economic thought from the perspective of political thought and social thought, and we should study economic systems from the perspective of political systems and social systems. Above these three, there is a highest humanistic ideal that leads.
——Qian Mu, "How to Study Economic History"
China's next challenge may be to reconstruct its connection with its own tradition and the world. In addition to the introduction of Western doctrines and theories, it is also necessary to re-understand its own historical evolution. This book attaches great importance to the interconnection between politics, society, culture and ideological trends, covering the land system, infrastructure investment (mainly water conservancy and water transportation), monetary system and taxation policies of the past dynasties, as well as the economic ideological debate between government and market dominance.
——Lin Yifu, Director of the China Economic Research Center at Peking University and former Chief Economist of the World Bank
From 1954 to 1955, Mr. Qian Mu taught two courses: "Chinese Economic History" and "Chinese Social and Economic History" at New Asia College in Hong Kong. He briefly described the economic situation and fiscal policies from the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. He also explained the mutual influence and connection between economy and politics, culture, society, military, law, and religion, and evaluated the relationship between policies and the rise and fall of dynasties.
Ye Long studied under Qian Mu for many years. He carefully recorded and compiled the contents of his two courses, and supplemented some contents to form smooth and easy-to-read articles. After being published in the Economic Review Edition of the Hong Kong Economic Journal, it was warmly welcomed by readers, and was finally compiled and published into this book. This book not only fills the regret of Mr. Qian Mu's lack of specialized economic history works, but also enables readers to deepen their understanding of Mr. Qian Mu's other works by reading Chinese economic history, so as to understand Mr. Qian Mu's teachings of emphasizing the need to conduct research within the unity of cultural tradition.
The main economic issues throughout the book include agricultural economy and land distribution, infrastructure and water conservancy projects, industrial and commercial development, monetary system reform, social class phenomena, tax system and corvee, etc. A careful reading of two thousand years of economic history reveals that China's social and economic landscape today is deeply influenced by historical traditions. It is hoped that this book can help readers interpret the reasons and impacts behind the current policies, and at the same time serve as a mirror to apply useful experiences to today's business society to avoid repeating the lessons of failure.
Reader comments
Qian Mu, one of the authors of this book, is a modern Chinese historian and a master of Chinese studies. Together with Lu Simian, Chen Yuan and Chen Yinke, he is known as the "Four Masters of Historiography". Mr. Qian Mu closely links academic research with concern for the survival of the country and the nation, and has devoted infinitely deep feelings and care to traditional Chinese culture. He has dabbled in research on ancient Chinese history, literature, intellectual history, academic history, politics, geography, religion, etc. He has created three major categories: "humanistic evolution", "cultural life" and "coordinated movement", which constitute a complete historical and cultural view with evolutionary significance and value orientation.
"After the Song Dynasty, the Yellow River floods continued for the following reasons: First of all, the true path of the Yellow River was sacrificed for various unrelated reasons. In the Song Dynasty, the Yellow River flowed from the north to the east, from Puyang in Henan Province to Guanxian and Guantao in Hebei Province to the Qing Dynasty in Hebei Province. The river then flows from Wucheng and Dexian in Shandong Province to Wuqiao and Tianjin in Hebei Province and then flows into the sea. It is called the northward flow that leads the water eastward, that is, from Qingfeng, Chaocheng, Qingping, Leling and other counties in Hebei Province to Wudi and enters the sea. It is called the Eastward Flow. Originally, the Northward Flow was the ancient Yellow River route, with smooth water and a wide and deep seaport. However, the Song people were afraid that the Khitans would use the Northward Flow as a bridge to guard the prefectures and counties, so the ministers of Shaosheng tried to advocate the Eastward Flow." Reading the history of economic development carefully, this book tells about the main economic issues including agricultural economy and land distribution, infrastructure and water conservancy projects, industrial and commercial development, currency system reform, social class phenomena, tax system and corvee.
It's a pity that there is no outline of national history by Mr. Qian Mu.
Wonderful, gave me an understanding of ancient Chinese economy
"After the Song Dynasty, the Yellow River floods continued for the following reasons: First of all, the true path of the Yellow River was sacrificed for various unrelated reasons. In the Song Dynasty, the Yellow River flowed from the north to the east, from Puyang in Henan Province to Guanxian and Guantao in Hebei Province to the Qing Dynasty in Hebei Province. The river then flows from Wucheng and Dexian in Shandong Province to Wuqiao and Tianjin in Hebei Province and then flows into the sea. It is called the northward flow that leads the water eastward, that is, from Qingfeng, Chaocheng, Qingping, Leling and other counties in Hebei Province to Wudi and enters the sea. It is called the Eastward Flow. Originally, the Northward Flow was the ancient Yellow River route, with smooth water and a wide and deep seaport. However, the Song people were afraid that the Khitans would use the Northward Flow as a bridge to guard the prefectures and counties, so the ministers of Shaosheng tried to advocate the Eastward Flow." Reading the history of economic development carefully, this book tells about the main economic issues including agricultural economy and land distribution, infrastructure and water conservancy projects, industrial and commercial development, currency system reform, social class phenomena, tax system and corvee.
This book connects China's economic history with politics, society, culture and other aspects, giving me a more comprehensive understanding of history. The content in the book is easy to understand, and Mr. Qian Mu's unique views have benefited me a lot. In particular, it gave me a lot of inspiration about the relationship between the rise and fall of dynasties and economic policies. Recommended to friends who are interested in Chinese history and economy!
I have seen many of the descriptions for the first time, and my understanding of society in the Tang Dynasty is much richer.
This is a detailed and comprehensive historical work that presents readers with the evolution, characteristics and influence of China's economy through an overview and in-depth analysis of China's economic development. This book helps readers understand the historical context and important nodes of China's economic development by sorting out China's ancient economy, modern economy and modern economy. It describes in detail the prosperity of ancient China's agricultural economy and the rise of commercial economy, and demonstrates the uniqueness of ancient China's economic system and commercial activities. At the same time, the book also focuses on the collapse and recovery of China's economy in modern times, as well as the economic transformation and rapid development since reform and opening up. Through the analysis of economic policies, institutional changes, and economic achievements in various historical periods, readers can better understand the characteristics and evolution of the Chinese economy.
A very good book, rich in content, logical and unbiased in argumentation. This book tells the story from ancient times to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Politics and economics are closely related. From economic history we can see political changes, especially in small peasant societies. The unique point of this book is that Mr. Qian Mu believes that both economics and politics should be viewed from the perspective of cultural tradition. Therefore, this book has both the details of economic history and a macro perspective, allowing people to see and understand Chinese culture from historical works.
A very good book, rich in content, logical and unbiased in argumentation. This book tells the story from ancient times to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Politics and economics are closely related. From economic history we can see political changes, especially in small peasant societies. The unique point of this book is that Mr. Qian Mu believes that both economics and politics should be viewed from the perspective of cultural tradition. Therefore, this book has both the details of economic history and a macro perspective, allowing people to see and understand Chinese culture from historical works.
Type of agricultural country
How is the economy and society doing?
The system also briefly reviews China's previous economic and taxation development history.
Qian Mu, one of the authors of this book, is a modern Chinese historian and a master of Chinese studies. Together with Lu Simian, Chen Yuan and Chen Yinke, he is known as the "Four Masters of Historiography". Mr. Qian Mu closely links academic research with concern for the survival of the country and the nation, and has devoted infinitely deep feelings and care to traditional Chinese culture. He has dabbled in research on ancient Chinese history, literature, intellectual history, academic history, politics, geography, religion, etc. He has created three major categories: "humanistic evolution", "cultural life" and "coordinated movement", which constitute a complete historical and cultural view with evolutionary significance and value orientation.
"After the Song Dynasty, the Yellow River floods continued for the following reasons: First of all, the true path of the Yellow River was sacrificed for various unrelated reasons. In the Song Dynasty, the Yellow River flowed from the north to the east, from Puyang in Henan Province to Guanxian and Guantao in Hebei Province to the Qing Dynasty in Hebei Province. The river then flows from Wucheng and Dexian in Shandong Province to Wuqiao and Tianjin in Hebei Province and then flows into the sea. It is called the northward flow that leads the water eastward, that is, from Qingfeng, Chaocheng, Qingping, Leling and other counties in Hebei Province to Wudi and enters the sea. It is called the Eastward Flow. Originally, the Northward Flow was the ancient Yellow River route, with smooth water and a wide and deep seaport. However, the Song people were afraid that the Khitans would use the Northward Flow as a bridge to guard the prefectures and counties, so the ministers of Shaosheng tried to advocate the Eastward Flow." Reading the history of economic development carefully, this book tells about the main economic issues including agricultural economy and land distribution, infrastructure and water conservancy projects, industrial and commercial development, currency system reform, social class phenomena, tax system and corvee.
It's a pity that there is no outline of national history by Mr. Qian Mu.
Wonderful, gave me an understanding of ancient Chinese economy
"After the Song Dynasty, the Yellow River floods continued for the following reasons: First of all, the true path of the Yellow River was sacrificed for various unrelated reasons. In the Song Dynasty, the Yellow River flowed from the north to the east, from Puyang in Henan Province to Guanxian and Guantao in Hebei Province to the Qing Dynasty in Hebei Province. The river then flows from Wucheng and Dexian in Shandong Province to Wuqiao and Tianjin in Hebei Province and then flows into the sea. It is called the northward flow that leads the water eastward, that is, from Qingfeng, Chaocheng, Qingping, Leling and other counties in Hebei Province to Wudi and enters the sea. It is called the Eastward Flow. Originally, the Northward Flow was the ancient Yellow River route, with smooth water and a wide and deep seaport. However, the Song people were afraid that the Khitans would use the Northward Flow as a bridge to guard the prefectures and counties, so the ministers of Shaosheng tried to advocate the Eastward Flow." Reading the history of economic development carefully, this book tells about the main economic issues including agricultural economy and land distribution, infrastructure and water conservancy projects, industrial and commercial development, currency system reform, social class phenomena, tax system and corvee.
This book connects China's economic history with politics, society, culture and other aspects, giving me a more comprehensive understanding of history. The content in the book is easy to understand, and Mr. Qian Mu's unique views have benefited me a lot. In particular, it gave me a lot of inspiration about the relationship between the rise and fall of dynasties and economic policies. Recommended to friends who are interested in Chinese history and economy!
I have seen many of the descriptions for the first time, and my understanding of society in the Tang Dynasty is much richer.
This is a detailed and comprehensive historical work that presents readers with the evolution, characteristics and influence of China's economy through an overview and in-depth analysis of China's economic development. This book helps readers understand the historical context and important nodes of China's economic development by sorting out China's ancient economy, modern economy and modern economy. It describes in detail the prosperity of ancient China's agricultural economy and the rise of commercial economy, and demonstrates the uniqueness of ancient China's economic system and commercial activities. At the same time, the book also focuses on the collapse and recovery of China's economy in modern times, as well as the economic transformation and rapid development since reform and opening up. Through the analysis of economic policies, institutional changes, and economic achievements in various historical periods, readers can better understand the characteristics and evolution of the Chinese economy.
A very good book, rich in content, logical and unbiased in argumentation. This book tells the story from ancient times to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Politics and economics are closely related. From economic history we can see political changes, especially in small peasant societies. The unique point of this book is that Mr. Qian Mu believes that both economics and politics should be viewed from the perspective of cultural tradition. Therefore, this book has both the details of economic history and a macro perspective, allowing people to see and understand Chinese culture from historical works.
A very good book, rich in content, logical and unbiased in argumentation. This book tells the story from ancient times to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Politics and economics are closely related. From economic history we can see political changes, especially in small peasant societies. The unique point of this book is that Mr. Qian Mu believes that both economics and politics should be viewed from the perspective of cultural tradition. Therefore, this book has both the details of economic history and a macro perspective, allowing people to see and understand Chinese culture from historical works.
Type of agricultural country
How is the economy and society doing?
The system also briefly reviews China's previous economic and taxation development history.