my country's ancient civilization was developed, and its economic activities have long been at the forefront of the world. Take Guangzhou as an example. As early as the first millennium of the Christian era, merchants gathered there. However, in the second half of the second millennium, this pattern was reversed. The Opium War and the Sino-Japanese War of Sino-Japanese War made the Chinese people know that we have been weak for a long time, and it is not easy to make new plans.

In the last decades of the second millennium, the Chinese nation is making great efforts to govern. Looking back over the millennium, looking back on the hard-won changes, and looking forward to the uneven future, exploring the economic context from the perspective of money can help us stay clear-headed in the face of statements such as "the arrival of the Asian century."

The earliest "money" was animal skins, shells, or even heavy iron blocks. Now, all countries in the world without exception use a specially printed thin paper - banknotes. "Money", in the final analysis, is just a symbol of credit that can be exchanged for physical objects of equal value at any time. Because it is easy to preserve, divide, and carry, people all over the world, regardless of north or south, and ancient and modern people, have gradually accepted it. Its credit is mainly supported by national laws.

In the Northern Song Dynasty at the turn of the last millennium, paper-printed currency "Jiaozi" was widely used in economic transactions in Chinese society. As an important means of circulation and payment in economic life, Jiaozi was originally jointly issued by Sichuan merchants. It was basically only circulated in Sichuan because it could be redeemed at any time and quickly gained social recognition. Later, although these "money dealers" went bankrupt, the benefits of "money" did not. The government immediately set up a special agency to issue "Guanjiaozi", and the scope of circulation expanded to all places. Although it could still be redeemed in name, in fact it was basically impossible For payment, its credit is only compulsorily guaranteed by the government. During the Southern Song Dynasty, although copper coins and silver were also in circulation, paper money was the main currency. In the Yuan Dynasty, a banknote circulation system was implemented across the country. The representative one was the "Zhongtong Yuanbao Banknote" issued during the reign of Kublai Khan. Although it could be exchanged for a time at the beginning, it soon stopped and copper currency was banned. and gold and silver circulation. In the Ming Dynasty, the "Ming Dynasty treasure banknotes" were never cashed, and the circulation of copper, gold and silver was banned. Later, it was only because the credibility of banknotes was so poor that banning copper, gold and silver was impractical, and the court was forced to lift the ban. The credibility of non-redeemable banknotes is greatly affected by the amount of circulation. It is precisely because of the excessive issuance of treasure banknotes and their rapid devaluation that the pre-modern form of paper currency circulation that began in the Song Dynasty gradually withdrew from economic activities in the Ming Dynasty.

Marco Polo, who once served in the court of Kublai Khan, introduced China's "wonders" to the West like this: "Wherever merchants in the Great Khanate went, they used this paper currency to give rewards. , to buy goods...it is no different from pure gold." The word "Jing" lets us know that China's paper money was still something that the wise people in foreign countries had never imagined at that time. Paper money is China's great invention. Today it is difficult to imagine how a world without "money" would work. Even with the advent of electronic currency, the social role of paper money still cannot be ignored.

"Money" becomes "paper", which appears to be lighter but is actually heavier. Human economic activities in the past thousand years have revolved around that thin piece of "paper".

The pursuit of "money" has opened up global exchanges. Represented by "Columbus' discovery of the New World" in Western history, Spain discovered America and the Portuguese arrived in India. Later, there was the "Sea Coachman-Dutch" and the so-called "Sun Never Sets" who planted the "Mi" flag all over the world. "The British Empire traveled around the world chasing "money".

In world trade at that time, European countries were net importers of goods. China and Middle Eastern countries rarely import goods from Europe, so European countries need to pay in "hard currency" such as gold and silver. Middle Eastern countries demanded gold, which prompted Europe to plunder and mine gold from places like Africa for use in Middle Eastern trade. China's demand for silver prompted Europeans to plunder and mine silver in America and other places. This corresponded to the "Silver Age" of geographical discovery by Europeans that began in the 18th century. Historically, China has implemented a silver standard for a long time, so the currency can be converted into "silver taels" until the early years of the Republic of China.

Trade between countries and regions not only breeds businessmen from all walks of life, but also calls for businessmen who take "money" as their business object - "money merchants", and private financial activities emerge as the times require. , a story that happened in a basin province in China has been resurrected around the world. These private financial activities are very risky, and failure to repay the palace's borrowed money is a serious problem. However, the commercial profits of "money" were too great, and the wildfire could not be burned out. The spring breeze blew again, and private financial activities continued to develop, gradually evolving into pre-modern forms of banks. In our country, during the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China, Shanxi's bank accounts were also quite developed, with branches all over the country, excellent creditworthiness, and even performed part of the national fiscal functions for a time. As China further became a semi-colonial state, Shanxi banknotes withdrew from the stage of history.

Why do humans do business? Because transactions can bring benefits to both parties. Since World War II, although local wars have continued, no world war has broken out. This is why peace and development have become the themes of contemporary times. If you can get "money" from trade, you may not necessarily have to fight to the death to conquer or plunder. The progress of science and technology has made the "cake" of economic activities bigger and bigger, and there is enough room for mutually beneficial division.

In our world, science, technology and human wisdom, collectively referred to as knowledge, are the only factors of production that are not bound by the "law of diminishing returns". Other production factors will be consumed during use, but knowledge will not be consumed due to use. This is the main context of the concept of "knowledge economy" based on the production, dissemination and application of knowledge. It is the fundamental point of the concept of knowledge economy. It is precisely on this important issue that developed countries have an undoubted advantage.

In addition, an important reason why developed countries take advantage is because most of the "money" in the world is in their hands, that is, they occupy the financial market. If a symbol can be widely accepted as credit, even if it eventually eliminates the need for paper, it can still function as currency. Now, the symbolization and electronicization of money has greatly increased the speed of bank settlement, accelerated the pace of society, and greatly improved economic efficiency. In this regard, developed countries have once again taken the lead.

The electronicization of finance and the symbolization of currency follow the logic of making "money" as convenient as possible, but "money" is so convenient that it can be invisible, and there are more and more invisible things. "Money" is flowing around us like a flood, and finally there is a disaster more terrifying than natural disasters - the "money disaster", which is the financial crisis that people have been talking about since 1997.

In international economic relations, people use "money" to speculate on "money", and "money" becomes more and more popular, and finally rises to a "bubble". Speculative capital in developed countries buys up a country's currency and then sells it sharply, which is enough to trigger a financial crisis in countries with smaller economies. This is what Soros does, they are able to thrive between creating bubbles and bursting them. They have the funds and the means. The large inflows and outflows of short-term working capital were the direct cause of the East Asian financial crisis. Krugman, the American economist who predicted the East Asian financial crisis, said in "The Return of Depression Economics" that although the real economy is good, financial problems may still occur. In an era when currency is symbolized electronically, we must be extra careful.

It can be said that "money" rises into bubbles since ancient times. The "Crazy Clivia" in Changchun more than ten years ago is a local example of the ancient bubble economy. When the average income of urban workers was less than 100 yuan, a single Clivia plant could be sold for hundreds of thousands of yuan. In the 1980s, Japan's economic growth was not great, but real estate speculation was crazy. For a time, the value of real estate in Tokyo was only high. Once converted into "money", the entire United States could be bought. Once the economic bubble burst, it has been sluggish for ten years now. Money, money, if you think it is expensive, it will be expensive, even if it is not expensive, once the bubble bursts, if you think it is not expensive, it will not be expensive. It is not expensive in the first place.

How can economic development have stamina? It deserves historical review. In the 19th century, when it came to science, Britain was ahead of the United States. When it came to per capita resources and per capita capital, Australia was much higher than the United States. However, since the 20th century, the economic development of Britain and Australia has been unable to catch up with the United States.

So philosophers all over the world are thinking about a problem. People can't live without money, but people don't live for money. There is a very interesting phenomenon. When people come to this world, they clench their hands tightly, but when they leave, they let go. The lame Taoist priest in "A Dream of Red Mansions" sings: "Everyone knows that gods are good, but money can never be forgotten. In the end, I only regret that there is not much to gather, and my eyes will close when it is too long." Jia Baoyu in the book grew up in a family. A prominent and extremely wealthy feudal bureaucratic family lives on a pile of money, eats delicacies from the mountains and seas, and wears silks and satins. According to some people, he is happy, but his spirit is imprisoned and he has no freedom. Having seen through the world of mortals, he finally abandoned his home and ran away from home.

When people are poor, they long for material and money, but once they have it, they suddenly find that money is not everything. French Rousseau said: "Money cannot buy what the soul needs." Money can buy marriage, but not love; money can buy high-end Simmons, but not sleep; money can buy books, but not love. There is no knowledge; money can buy expensive medicines, but not health; money can buy diplomas, but not real talents; money can buy elixirs, but not life. The most sage teacher Confucius said: "A gentleman is likened to righteousness, and a villain is likened to benefit." Confucianism advocates the word "virtue", "Wealth and honor are what people want. If you don't get it by following the way, you won't get it." Our country Taoism emphasizes returning to nature and does not seek fame and wealth. "The breeze and the bright moon do not require money." This kind of thinking is far from the world, for fear of being polluted by money and becoming vulgar. It has also become an unattainable and transcendent temperament of our nation. When it comes to praise and criticism of money, the father-in-law is right and the mother-in-law is right.

But no matter what, money is a tool for human survival and one of the foundations of a country's prosperity. To be fair, money is indeed a good thing. The key is people's attitude towards it. There is a saying in our country that a gentleman loves talent and acquires it in a proper way. Never take wealth that is dishonest. The former mayor of Fuyang City, Xiao Zuoxin, was greedy. In the court of the Provincial High Court, the judge subtracted the Xiao family’s legitimate income from their reasonable living expenses and other expenses. Xiao Zuoxin’s family still had 12,232,638.26 yuan, 14,243 U.S. dollars, and 83,880 Hong Kong dollars. Yuan and others cannot tell its origin. The money turned out to be wealth, but turned into evidence in court. There is a saying, "You won't shed tears until you see the coffin." Xiao Zuoxin finally understood money and said: "People ask for three meals a day and a night's sleep. What do I need so much money for?" This understanding is really like what Miss Zijuan said. Like Jia Baoyu, "Master Bao, you're late!" The mayor was removed from office, and the citizens were dismissed. He was imprisoned and subjected to severe punishment. All hard work, struggle, honor, and wealth were in vain. It was like a nightmare. Market, money, money, you make fools not discuss it. No wonder the cynical Jigong sang: "Gold is empty, silver is empty, and it will never be in your hands after death."

There were several corrupt officials in the recent TV series "The Granary of the World", and the corrupt officials used their children to gain money. of. The "Poverty Prevention Ci" in "Jin Ping Mei" is well written, "Money and silk are put into the bead cage and kept inside. If it is not for the debut, there will be less greed. The morality of relatives and friends is lost because of money, and the feelings of father and son are lost for profit. Quickly shrink your hands and pull your head, so as not to make your body and mind worry day and night. "Children and grandchildren will have their own blessings, so don't worry about your children and grandchildren." In Chinese history, people with lofty ideals often have a clear understanding. Lin Zexu wrote a couplet by himself, which said: If my descendants are like me, what will they do with their money? If a virtuous person has a lot of money, his ambition will be damaged. My descendants are not as good as me, so what do I do with the money? Being foolish and having too much wealth will increase your faults. Mr. Lin is an upright person and proves the slang saying "If you shout three times for free, you will be afraid of ghosts". Officials must clearly understand, "Officials do not fear my strictness but fear my integrity; the people do not obey my ability but obey my public; if I am public, the people will not dare to be arrogant, and if I am honest, the officials will not dare to bully. When public officials are honest and honest, they will be prestige." "Integrity is the foundation of government. If you want to be a good official, you must understand the two sides of money. It is a double-edged sword. Our country's current "Constitution" clearly states that "economic construction is the centerpiece." The more money you can get from the right path, the better; you can't take any money from the evil path. No matter what industry you are in, you should be alert and alert at all times.

The British thinker Bacon said it well, money should be obtained by legitimate means, used prudently, used generously to help the world, and should be parted with without any regrets before death.

This is the correct attitude towards money!

People are busy all day long. Nowadays, people often say "I am very busy". It seems that this has become a popular expression, and it is all about money. Let’s add some relevant content to our signatures, so as to make money.

When you have no money, your wife is also your secretary; when you have money, your secretary is also your wife.

A rich person is afraid that others will know that he is rich, and a poor person is afraid that others will know that he has no money.

We had a small disagreement: she wanted me to turn dirt into gold, and I wanted her to treat gold like dirt!

It is impossible for people to bring money into the coffin, but money may bring people into the coffin.

Back then, you would be poor for the rest of your life if you didn’t go to college, but now you will be poor immediately after going to college.

When it comes to fees, it is in line with international standards, and when it comes to services, it is China's national conditions.

All women should get married and try to make their husbands earn money to support them.

Between relatives, talking about money will hurt feelings; between lovers, talking about feelings will hurt money.

We seem to have entered an era where love can only be proven by giving money.

Most people take the money first and then do the work, or do the work first and then get the money.

It is difficult for a rich man to be a man without money!

Money is not everything, sometimes a credit card is needed.

A rich person is afraid that others will know that he is rich, and a poor person is afraid that others will know that he has no money.

The way to make money is to make money with physical strength at the bottom, make money with knowledge at the bottom, and make money with money at the top.

My father asked me what I want to pursue in life? I answered money and beauty, and my father slapped me in the face fiercely; I answered career and love, and my father touched my head appreciatively.

I am not RMB, so I cannot please everyone.

Wealth can influence gods, and money can make ghosts grind!

Money is not everything. Nothing is impossible without money!

Money! Used properly, it can drive away ghosts;

Money! If you use it improperly, you will be haunted by ghosts!

After getting rich, it is not just to get richer

Wealth can rival the country

Don’t reveal your wealth

Friends are the real wealth in life

Treat money like dirt