There were multiple reasons why the Song Dynasty emphasized literature over military force:
Social and cultural environment at that time: The Song Dynasty was a period of relative peace and prosperity, with relatively stable social and economic development and a thick cultural atmosphere. Literati are respected and respected by society, and cultural talents are given a higher status and social status. This social background has made the emphasis on civility over military force a major value and social concept.
Highly developed science and technology, culture, education, and scholarship: The Song Dynasty made significant achievements in science and technology, culture, education, and scholarship. The application and popularization of important inventions such as papermaking, gunpowder, and pointers greatly promoted economic development and cultural prosperity, and further strengthened the concept of valuing literature over military force.
Influence of the idea of the rule of law: The Song Dynasty had a relatively strict legal system and an excellent legal tradition, advocating the rule of law. Relative emphasis is placed on the rule of culture, the legitimacy and stability of the regime are based on the legal system and cultural traditions, and more attention is paid to the talents and conduct of intellectuals.
Advocating the concept of peace: The ruling ideology of the Song Dynasty emphasized peace, stability, and living and working in peace and contentment. Compared with the Liao and Jin, which were divided by the clans in the north, the Song in the south paid more attention to the construction of internal affairs and culture, and sought the prosperity and development of the country in a moderate and peaceful way.
In general, the Song Dynasty's emphasis on literature over military force was the result of the interaction between social culture, economic development, and unified governance. However, this concept of emphasizing literature over military force also has certain drawbacks, resulting in a relatively weak external defense capability in the later period, and there are certain disadvantages in the face of external threats.