All Mine!: Happiness, Ownership, and Naming in Eleventh-Century China

During the Song Dynasty in China, there was a rapid commercial growth and monetization of the economy, which led to the prevalence of neo-Confucianism in the imperial bureaucracy and literati culture. All Mine! explores the varied ways in which eleventh-century writers worked through the conflicting values of this new world, examining the works of writers such as Ouyang Xiu, Su Dongpo, and Sima Guang to inquire into the material conditions of happiness and the broader conditions of knowledge.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 14 December 2021
Publisher: Columbia University Press

During the Song Dynasty, China witnessed a remarkable period of economic growth and the monetization of its economy. Simultaneously, a profound ethical shift, characterized by the rise of neo-Confucianism, gained prominence within the imperial bureaucracy and the literati culture. This essay aims to explore the intricate influences of these trends on Chinese intellectual history.

According to Stephen Owen, the emergence of the new money economy during the Song Dynasty led writers to become increasingly preoccupied with the question of whether material possessions could bring happiness. Key thinkers of the time revisited this issue, weighing the conflicting influences of worldly possessions and material comfort against the teachings of Confucian ideology, which emphasizes the pursuit of true contentment through the Way and discourages attachment to things.

In a series of essays, Owen examines the works of various writers from the eleventh century, including Ouyang Xiu, a prose master who sought tranquility in a remote exile; Su Dongpo, a poet and essayist who faced trial for slandering the emperor; and Sima Guang, a historian known for his private garden, which sparked reflections on private ownership. Through his original interpretations of these significant figures, Owen delves not only into the material conditions of happiness but also into the broader contexts of knowledge.

One of the central themes explored in All Mine! is the tension between worldly desires and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Writers such as Ouyang Xiu, who sought refuge in a remote backwater, questioned whether material comforts could truly satisfy their longing for inner peace. Su Dongpo, on the other hand, faced the consequences of defying the emperor's authority and expressed his dissatisfaction with the corrupt political system through his poetry. Sima Guang's private garden, a symbol of wealth and luxury, became a venue for introspection and contemplation on the nature of private ownership and its implications for societal values.

Another important aspect of All Mine! is the role of literature and intellectual discourse in shaping societal attitudes and values. During the Song Dynasty, the literati culture played a crucial role in promoting neo-Confucianism and shaping public opinion. Writers such as Ouyang Xiu, Su Dongpo, and Sima Guang used their works to critique the prevailing social norms and advocate for a more ethical and harmonious society. Their writings not only influenced their contemporaries but also had a lasting impact on Chinese intellectual history.

In conclusion, All Mine! offers a valuable exploration of the influences of economic growth, ethical shifts, and literary discourse on Chinese intellectual history. Through its original readings of key eleventh-century figures, the essay sheds light on the complex relationship between material possessions, personal desires, and the pursuit of knowledge. It serves as a reminder of the enduring significance of literature and intellectual discourse in shaping the course of human history.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231203111