What was Wang Anshi's central economic theory?
My core belief was that the state had both the right and the obligation to actively manage the economy for the common good. This contrasts with a laissez-faire approach. I advocated for policies that would prevent exploitation by powerful merchants and landlords, ensure essential goods were available at fair prices, and provide capital to farmers. The 'equal-pressure' system for taxes and loans, and the 'Green Sprouts' program to provide agricultural credit, exemplify this principle of state economic stewardship.
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