When wealth is equal and its distribution is fair, people will not feel there is poverty. This was a concept of political governance propounded by Confucius (551-479 BC). Jun (均) means fair and balanced, with everyone receiving a share. Pin (贫poor), in contrast with fu (富rich), means receiving less. In Confucius’ view, whether a person is rich or poor is not determined only by the absolute value of his wealth; it is determined rather by its relative value or the gap between the differences in income. If the gap is excessively large, some will feel poor even if the absolute value of their wealth is considerable; on the other hand, if the gap is not large, people will not feel poor even if the absolute value of their wealth is low. The basic spirit of this view is that those who govern should not one-sidedly pursue an increase in total wealth. Rather, they should prioritize fairness, ensure reasonable distribution and maintain wealth equality, so as to prevent the emergence of a large gulf between rich and poor, and to avoid worsening social conflicts.

When wealth is fairly distributed, people will not feel poor; when people are harmonious, they won’t feel few in number; when society is stable, those who govern will not be overthrown. (The Analects)