The Research Of The Intellectuals Became Businessmen In South Of Yangtze River During The Late Of Ming Dynasty

During the late of Ming Dynasty, with the development of economy and prosperity of urban areas, merchandise economy flowered as never before and business prevailed in the south of Yangtze River. Those nonchalant intellectuals joined the party and this kind of change was very important at that time. Although this phenomenon appeared long before,it was very obvious in the late of Ming Dynasty for the number of businessmen and the level of management exceeded those of the previous generations. It was a very dramatic society during the late of Ming dynasty especially as the economical and cultural center, the circumstances were extremely complicated in the south of Yangtze River.It was not accidental that the intellectuals became businessmen. It was certain under the development of political and economical productivity.Politically, the imperial examinations for the intellectuals became more and more difficult for the circumstances of imperial examinations deteriorating and the policy of donation being implemented.Economically, due to the prevails of business, deterioration of economic environment and call of the business, more and more intellectuals joined the party. Inwardly, since the commerce-oriented thoughts prevailed and the idea of management developed, ideological concerns for intellectuals decreased a lot. Besides, some factors from the family also improved this kind of phenomenon. These four kinds of elements lead to the prevail of business in the south of Yangtze River late Ming dynasty.There were many enterprises at that time. Some, for example art and publishing industry, required high level of knowledge. Thus, it was very beneficial for those intellectuals to do business who studied Confucianism since childhood. Moreover, there were also public industries, salt, silk and rice industry for instance. They had their own characteristics during business.Firstly, the number was very large and a wide fields was ranged and theprocess was easily interrupted. Secondly, there were many employers and servants. Thirdly, the style of Confucianism would be their first choice after retire from business. Last but not least, professionally, their descendants and they would still try to work in officialdom. This kind of phenomenon had many profound influences for the entire south of Yangtze River society late Ming dynasty; including positive and negative aspects. There were four positive aspects. Firstly, it improved the economic conditions for intellectuals and promotes the development of local public affairs. Secondly, it enhanced the level and development of business. Thirdly, it reinforced the interactions between intellectuals and businessmen and increased more humanistic concern for businessmen from intellectuals. Finally, it accelerated the development of individual emancipation and humanistic pragmatism. Other wise, there were two negative aspects as well. Firstly, it aggravated the tendency of benefit of intellectuals and accelerated the corruption of officials. What was worse,it strengthened the self-sufficient feudal natural economic structure.