TERMBASES
The term means that in a period of peace after war or social upheaval, the
economy and population can recover and multiply. In practice it means the
sovereign shall reduce taxes and conscript labor, support agriculture, allowing
the population to procreate, life to return to normal, and society to recover. It first appeared as a governing strategy in the early Han Dynasty after the ravages of
the wars with the previous Qin Dynasty. By the time the Han took over, the
country was devastated and the population severely depleted. This policy allowed society to gradually recover and the
nation to grow. From then on, “develop economy and
increase population” became an important principle and policy of government
throughout Chinese history. Sometimes it was instituted reluctantly because of
specific circumstances, sometimes actively pursued as a manifestation of
benevolent rule, sometimes a mixture of both. It is the concrete application of
the social and political principle “the people are the foundation of the
state.”
This term means to provide the people with necessities of life and educate them. According to The Book of History, this is what constitutes good governance. To reach this goal, the ruler must manage we…
The concept of keeping wealth with the people has long been a part of Chinese political economy. Prior to the Qin Dynasty,the Confucian, Mohist, Daoist, andLegalist scholars as well as military strateg…
This term means that the people are the essence of the state or the foundation upon which it stands. Only when people live and work in peace and contentment can the state be peaceful and stable. This s…
The term means to have love for the people, and cherish all things in the world. Here wu (物) includes plants and animals, while ai (爱) implies using them in a measured and appropriate way. This was f…
The ancient Chinese believed that good governance allowed people to lead a life of plenty. The ruler should be frugal, not extravagant or wasteful. He should make good use of the country’s material re…
A great ruler who conducts benevolent governance will enrich his people and unify the country. The implication of this term is that a great cause can succeed only when it is supported by the people. Th…
Live a stable life and work happily. Anju (安居) literally means a secure house and by extension living a happy life. Leye (乐业) means enjoying one's work. Together they refer to the general state of …
A great ruler who conducts benevolent governance will enrich his people and unify the country. The implication of this term is that a great cause can succeed only when it is supported by the people. Th…