Pre-Qin School of Economic Strategy (计然家): Ancient China’s Master Economists
2025-04-01Lu Ban: The Unclassifiable Engineering Master of Ancient China
2025-04-011. Identity & Historical Context
- Era: Spring and Autumn Period (7th-6th century BCE)
- Role: Prime Minister of Qi State, architect of its hegemony
- Key Fact: Pre-dated formal “Hundred Schools” classification
2. Core Governance Principles
| Policy Domain | Innovations | Modern Parallels |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Reform | – State monopolies (salt/iron) – Tiered land taxation (“相地而衰征”) |
Strategic resource control |
| Administration | – Merit-based appointments – Regional decentralization (“叁其国伍其鄙”) |
Federal governance models |
| Social Engineering | – Occupational stratification (“四民分业”) – Poverty alleviation programs |
Social mobility frameworks |
3. Philosophical Ambiguity
- Rejected Labels:
- Not Legalist: Advocated humane governance (“仓廪实而知礼节”)
- Not Confucian: Pragmatic about profit-seeking (“与俗同好恶”)
- Not Daoist: Actively intervened in markets (“轻重之术”)
- Textual Complexity:
- Guanzi compiled posthumously, blending multiple Warring States ideologies
4. Enduring Legacy
- Political Impact:
- Inspired Qin’s centralized economy (without acknowledging credit)
- Global Recognition:
- Cited by economists (e.g., Keynesian parallels in fiscal policies)
- Cultural Status:
- “God of Wealth” in Chinese folk religion