Advocating Thriftiness and Reproving
Extravagance: The Model of
Administration for Emperors and
Ministers of Ming Dynasty
Hsieh, Chung-Chih
Abstract
In Ming Dynasty, the social atmosphere experienced a sudden change during the mid-Ming years, and became a period characterized by “interest seeking”, “materialism”, “overstepping authority” and “extravagance”. Undeniably, this trend of pompousness was mostly led by the bureaucrats. However, emperors and ministers of Ming Dynasty should have been told by Confucian classics and teachings of the history that “advocating thriftiness and reproving extravagance” is the fundamental model of good administration. Therefore, emperors were expected to set a good example of leading a “thrifty and simple” life. Whenever the emperor spoke or acted inappropriately, the central bureaucracy would try to rectify and control him by means of the memorials to the throne and on the basis of ancestral teachings or the warning of natural disasters and extraordinary phenomena. On the other hand, local officials worked with the gentry to bring “thriftiness” into full play by laying down “village regulations”. The promotion of a thrifty atmosphere in Ming Dynasty owed a lot to the clan power. “Thriftiness” was written into the clans’ regulations and families’ teachings, and became an important doctrine for familial succession. Purposes of “advocating thriftiness and reproving extravagance” are not only to avoid the imperial power from being overstepped, but also to serve as a fundamental stabilizing force for the society and for maintaining the national strength.
Keywords: Ming Dynasty, thriftiness, extravagance, memorial to the throne, village regulations, family teachings
