Guan Zhong, known as Yiwu, was a famous politician, military strategist and economist in ancient China. He was born in 723 BC and died in 645 BC.
Guan Zhong lived in poverty when he was young, but he was diligent and studious, proficient in poetry, calligraphy and etiquette, and especially had in-depth research on military and economic knowledge. He and his friend Bao Shuya once ran a business together, but ultimately failed. Later, Guan Zhong became a staff member of the prince of Qi under the recommendation of Bao Shuya.
In 686 BC, civil strife broke out in the state of Qi, and Guan Zhong fled to the state of Lu with Gongzi Jiao. And Bao Shuya assisted Gongzi Xiaobai to flee to Juguo. In 685 BC, Gongzi Xiaobai, assisted by Guan Zhong's friend Bao Shuya, seized the throne of Qi as the Duke of Qi Huan. After Duke Huan of Qi ascended the throne, he decided to appoint Guan Zhong as the prime minister, and Guan Zhong lived up to expectations, and with his assistance, the Qi State gradually became stronger.
Guan Zhong paid attention to economic development, and he implemented a series of reform measures, including the reform of the land system, the development of agriculture and handicrafts, and the establishment of a monopoly on salt and iron. These reforms have led to the rapid development of Qi's economy and the rapid increase of national wealth.
Politically, Guan Zhong implemented the strategy of "respecting the king and conquering the king", making the Duke of Qi Huan the first overlord of the Spring and Autumn Period. He also actively carried out diplomatic activities, established friendly relations with other countries, and expanded the influence of Qi State.
Guan Zhong's ideas and policies have had a profound impact on Chinese history. He put forward the viewpoint that "the warehouse knows the etiquette and knows the honor and disgrace when the food and clothing are sufficient," and emphasized the importance of economic development to social stability and the progress of civilization. His economic reform measures and political strategies have also been borrowed and emulated by many politicians in later generations.
As an outstanding statesman and thinker in ancient China, Guan Zhong's achievements and ideas have had a profound impact on Chinese history. His name will forever be inscribed in the long river of Chinese history.