관자의 경세적 성인관

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the Saint view of the Guan Zi. In Chinese philosophy, Saint is the points where ideas of one school or scholar are concentrated. Therefore, studying the Guan Zi’s view of Saint can bring you one step closer to what the Guan Zi is trying to express. The Saint of the Guan zi is a man who has learned Tao, which has the characteristic of Xu. Therefore, Guan zi’s Saint is based on the characteristic of Xu, they acquire a superior mind and body, and sees through the nature of things and makes the most appropriate choice. The Saint of the Guan Zi is the only one person who can match object and name, and at the same time enact the law. He embodies political stability by matching object and name and actively operating laws. In addition, Saint is well versed in accumulating wealth, he constructs a city to maximize profits and promotes the interests of the people through practice frugality. The Saints of the Guan Zi manage internal affairs based on material abundance. Therefore, Saint’s activity is directly related to the stability of society and the enhancement of national power. According to the Guan Zi, Saint shows his pursuit of power, and based on overwhelming force, he influences neighboring countries to resolve conflicts with neighboring countries and pursue harmony. As such, the Guan Zi describes adults as contributing to political stability based on their superior abilities. Therefore, these Guan Zi’s Saints can be consider Saint who governing the nation.