Why ancient China hated its richest people

China, also known as Zhongguo, became the People’s Republic of China on 1st October 1949. Before 1949, China collapsed from a wealthy, multi-millennial imperial dynasty into a fractured state exploited by foreign powers during the "Century of Humiliation." Decades of brutal warlord conflicts, a devastating Japanese invasion, and a bloody civil war left the nation deeply impoverished and economically ruined.

China became a global superpower in an exceptionally short period of time. It took China almost 40 years of landmark market reforms to transform it into a powerful economic country. The World Bank describe this achievement as “The fastest sustained expansion by a major economy in history”

The occupational social classes in Modern China are quite different from those in Ancient China. What makes modern China have changes in Social Classes? And what changes did they make? Was the explanation for Social Classes wrong? Is the modern one better? Why couldn’t merchants wear Silk?

In Ancient China, Value Education the most. They valued virtue and Duty more than Money. So, they made their classes according to what they thought. And that’s not wrong for some reason. The Classes are ranked as :

Scholars (Shi 士) The Educated ones. And it is obvious. No matter what we are, we should always respect the learners, the ones who teach us, who educate us, and who made an impact on society. The ones who have the power to change the world. There is no competition between the educated and Non-Educated ones. It also includes government officials. Because they can’t become one without education. Passing an exams require Effort, Learning. Scholars are respectful because they earn it, not by birthright.

Farmers (Nong 农) The Primary Producers. The one’s who do effort to provide us with food. The ones who grow food and sustain society. The ones who do the labour the most. They also have high value because they played an important role in any empire’s survival, political stability and economy. Agriculture is called “The Root” of the nation. And agriculture totally depends upon Farmers. They toil on bare dirt and turn it into actual life-saving food and clothing. It’s really necessary to respect them and value their worth.

Artisans (Gong 工) The Secondary Producers. The Goods Producers. The ones who manufacture goods for us. It includes e and manufacturers, etc. They are the ones who make tools, furniture, pottery, and weapons. They are the creators, builders. The Hard Workers. Ancient People’s perspective was that farmers grow food just as artisans make our life easy. They made things that make living better and more comfortable. Without them, life becomes difficult. We struggle even in small activities. Artisans require Deep Knowledge and intense apprenticeship; that’s why the a of them with a mix of awe and respect.

Merchants (Shang 商) The Businessmen, The Trader. Surprisingly, In Ancient China, they ranked at the bottom. They are the least respected ones in Ancient China. People don’t seem to see them as respectful as others. They think of them as Money Makers. The ones who only think of making a profit. It’s true, but not completely. We can’t judge their intentions by their profession. Ancient People thought merchants didn’t make anything. So, they aren’t as respectful. Respect is earned by Virtue or duty, not by selling or buying something. Ancient People also thought that they were getting the reward of someone else's labour. Merchants were even prohibited from wearing Silk Clothes. It’s because Many Merchants sold expensive Silk and became rich. But they were prohibited by the Sumptuary Law from wearing certain luxurious silk garments or clothes reserved for high-status groups. In Ancient China, there was a King Citizen system. High value, money, everything. If the citizen became rich and also got value too, then it will be difficult for High-status groups. That’s also one of the reasons in Ancient China that I am. Which makes them decrease the merchant's value? What you think about it? Did they do wrong or right? Was the perspective right? Does education have more value? Should respect be based on Knowledge and Hard work rather than how rich and powerful you are?

Now, What the Modern Society think of ancient society's perspective? What are the key changes they made in Modern Society? Is Education more valuable than Power today?

Modern China's social classes are also known as Jieceng (阶层). The Modern Classes are quite different from the ancient ones.

National/Party Cadres (国家与社会管理者阶层 - Guójiā yǔ shèhuì guǎnlǐzhě jiēcèng) are, class. The powerful one. And The Government Officials. The ones who have the authority are the high-class people.

Managers & Entrepreneurs (经理人员与私营企业主阶层 - Jīnglǐ rényuán yǔ sīyíng qǐyèzhǔ jiēcèng) The Businessmen. The Traders. The Merchants. The Rich People. The Corporate executives and the private business owners. It includes Jack Ma.

Professional Technicians (专业技术人员阶层 - Zhuānyè jìshù rényuán jiēcèng The Middle Class. The White Collar Professionals. The Educated ones. Doctors, Engineers, and Lawyers.

Industrial/Service Workers (商业服务业员工与产业工人阶层 - Shāngyè fúwùyè yuángōng yǔ chǎnyè gōngrén jiēcèng) The Blue Collar Workers. The laborers. The Retail clerks. The factory workers. The Lower Class. The Working Class.

Agricultural Laborers (农业劳动者阶层 - Nóngyè láodòngzhě jiēcèng)

The Rural Farmers. The Peasants. The Lower Class. The One who had huge respect in Ancient China is now the Lowest. The ones who are surviving.

In Modern China Society, mostly the Students still want to be educated ones. It’s because Education still gives respect. They give Exams, and prepare the best. About 13 million students take exams to become scholars every year.

The Modern Society perspective is different from the Ancient ones. But culturally, deep down, people respect the old ones. People still respect the Scholars. But we all know Money has power. And the one who has Power is considered the High Class. That’s the Reason why Today everyone dreams of Becoming Rich. We all know why the entrepreneur ratio is becoming high. Why does everyone dream of becoming independent?

What do you think is better, the Class Distribution? What’s the Reason behind there Successful Journey? What makes them apart from others? Should classes be made, or s treated equally without any judgment? Without any fear of power? What are your remarks?

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