On The Mu Ouchu The Industrial Promotion Thought

Analyzing how the "industry-based rejuvenation thought" of Mu Ouchu, a representative from "burgeoning merchant class" (referred to Mao Tzetung) in modern Chinese history, was formulated and implemented, this thesis reveals this patriotic merchant's pioneering economic and social contribution, and its historical significance, which also functions as a fresh perspective from which transitional China's society can be further researched. The main content of each chapter is summarized as following:Chapter one narrates the vicissitudes of Mu Ouchu and his family against the turbulence in different era, summarizes his thought of "industry-based rejuvenation" which he devoted his life in, and thus illustrates that before diving deep into Mu's achievements it is necessary to elaborate on the origins of his being, doing and thinking.Chapter two, following the forming process of Mu's philosophy on western thoughts, centered by "factualisticism", points out that he explored and applied modern western theories of economics and management, learning by doing. His experiences had great value for the late generations and also founded a solid base for economic management as an emerging discipline in China's soil.Chapter three analyzes Mu Ouchu's years of industry building after he returned from U.S. He regarded cotton textile industry as the biggest industry in China, and theoretically contributed to the integration of China's societal condition, rejuvenation of textile industry, vindication of economic sovereignty and practice of vocational education. Balancing the relevant literature, Mu is recognized as the first remarkable entrepreneur who relied on knowledge, which embodies historical significance throughout the development of China's textile industry.Chapter four discusses the relationship between two wings of "industry-based rejuvenation" thought — industry and education. It is argued that Mu's conclusion of a mutually beneficial dialectical relationship between these two elements in the industrial underdevelopment conditions applies to the Chinese objective reality. The discussion also leads to Mu's historical limitations, which results in his bourgeois' reformist standpoints, utilitarian and idealistic in many specific implementations.Chapter five elaborates on Mu Ouchu's knowledge on "agriculture as the vitals of national economy", affirms his efforts in enlightening peasants' and improving agricultural environment. In the capacity of chief agricultural official, Mu contributedtremendously to the economic construction in home front area during Anti-Japanese Wartime. Also this chapter analyzes the different priority Mu addressed for agricultural policies in various periods.Chapter six sums up Mu Ouchu's thoughts and life experiences, and lays an emphasis on his understanding on economic ethical issues and social improvement. It concludes that Mu's analysis of Chinese society's backwardness contains elements of rationality based on the objective differentiation of citizen spirituality, social customs, and cultural mentality. At the same time, it should not be neglected that his thoughts also extravagate the determining force of personal morality which leans his theory towards Voluntarism.