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HISTORIO
Guan Zhong

管仲

Guan Zhong

Guan Zhong

DynastySpring and Autumn period
YearsBC 723BC 645
BirthplaceYingshang County, Anhui
DeathplaceShandong
Junior Minister of Qi
Model Chancellor
Master Guan

Biography

Guan Zhong (Chinese: 管仲; Wade–Giles: Kuan Chung; c. 720–645 BC) was a Chinese philosopher and politician. He served as chancellor and was a reformer of the State of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period of Chinese history. His given name was Yiwu (Chinese: 夷吾; pinyin: Yíwú). Zhong was his courtesy name. He is mainly remembered for his reforms as chancellor under Duke Huan of Qi, as well as his friendship with his colleague Bao Shuya, though his reputation remained controversial among the Confucians, as detailed in the appraisal section.

Through Guan Zhong's reforms and skilful diplomacy Qi became the most powerful of the feudal states and Duke Huan became the first of the Five Hegemons. Though knowledge of his reforms is limited, in particular he instituted a famous fiscal policy known as "balancing the light and the heavy", associated with salt and iron monopolies. Otherwise a diverse work, the Guanzi compilation making use of his name makes similar such recommendations.

Inspiring Quote

"When the granaries are full, the people know propriety; when food and clothing are sufficient, they know honor and disgrace."

—— Guanzi

Guan Zhong | Historio