• (The)Study of the Eastern Classic
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• no.32
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• pp.279-310
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• 2008

In this research, the writer investigated the thought in realism and view on education appeared in the text, GUANZI("管子") roughly. The thoughts and contemplation in GUANZI mostly contain practical issues of politics, law and economy, as well as military policy and also get involved in the education pursuing an organic relationship therewith. In GUANZI, the rule of law and morality were applied to the politics in a harmonious fashion. Although the text upheld agrarian-oriented policy in connection with nation's economy, it, however, succeeded to secure the national wealth by having implemented the polices concerned with industry and commerce in an appropriate manner. In addition, he established strong military organization through political stability and by securing economic strength. In short, this is the policy in order to pursue 'a rich nation with a strong military.' Under such situation, education made a positive contribution to meet the realistic needs in order for reinforcement of politics, economy, and military. In the level of moral education that will set right the decorum and proprieties of the people, and their loyalty and integrity, vocational training that enabled the four divisions of society, that is, the official class, farmers, artisans and merchants, to carry out their given jobs successfully was highly valued in GUANZI. These are substantial efforts in order to establish the order of community by means of putting emphasis on people's morality and loyalty, and also to create the public weal through reinforcement of producing activities of each class of society. After all, the realistic thought and view on education appeared in GUANZI can be understood as an expression of strong will to accomplish national prosperity and military strength in order to overcome disturbing situations in the society in those days.