Toynbee is a famous British historian. He devoted his life to the study of ancient world culture. He attached great importance to and loved the study of ancient culture in China. He once said? If I could choose, I would live in the Song Dynasty in China. ? So what was the charm of the Song Dynasty that made this great historian have a special liking for it?
Economic prosperity in Song Dynasty. This is mainly because the Song Dynasty attached great importance to commerce, not only focused on developing its own economy, but also actively strengthened trade with neighboring countries. It turns out that ancient rulers suppressed merchants for a long time, and merchants with low status were valued in the Song Dynasty. Economy is the foundation of social progress.
The Song Dynasty is a period of unprecedented development of culture and art. Due to the economic development, people's material living standards are very good, which makes many folk arts develop continuously. A large number of literati emerged in the Song Dynasty. Left many literary works to future generations.
Politically enlightened. In view of the disadvantages of the system of past dynasties, Song Taizu has carried out great reforms. After the reform, developing economy and culture is the basic national policy of the country.
The continuous progress of science and technology. Four famous inventions in ancient China: papermaking, compass, gunpowder and printing. Among them, the compass and movable type printing were invented in the Song Dynasty, and the Song Dynasty also made great achievements in astronomy. These inventions greatly promoted the progress of human civilization.
As can be seen from the above points, although the military strength of China in ancient Song Dynasty was weak, it was an economic power, a cultural power and a scientific and technological power. It not only has a far-reaching impact on the development of China, but also promotes the progress of human civilization all over the world. No wonder the historian Toynbee liked the Song Dynasty so much.