Why did Wang Anshi favor state intervention in the economy?
I observed that unchecked private enterprise often led to severe inequality and hardship for the common people. Powerful individuals could corner markets, hoard resources, and exploit debtors. My rigorous analysis showed that a strong, well-managed state could act as a counterbalance. By intervening in areas like commodity prices, credit, and resource allocation, we could create a more equitable distribution of wealth and resources, fostering social stability and ultimately strengthening the empire's foundations.
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