Zigong instilled the concept of trading in Chinese merchants and businesspeople, which opened the road for capitalism to take root in China. As Zigong was an excellent disciple of Confucius and a well-trained Confucian, he is commonly venerated as the first Confucian entrepreneur. His ideology and contributions have had a far-reaching influence on later generations.
Background
A Confucian merchant is someone who marries Confucian ideology and business activities. Confucianism and commerce are two concepts clearly differentiated in traditional Chinese culture. A Confucian refers to a scholar who embodies the doctrines of Confucianism, and his main aim is to pursue righteousness. Commerce, on the other hand, calls for a person to be involved in trading activity for profits and benefits. Traditional Chinese culture values righteousness over gain. One is expected to cultivate morality and to maintain harmony in the family, thus bringing peace to the country. The Confucian merchant carries out business with the teachings of Confucianism, and Duanmu Zigong was such a Confucian merchant who practiced his unique business culture born out of Confucianism.
Duanmu Zigong was born in the State of Wei during the spring and Autumn Period. His original name was Duanmu Ci, while Zigong was his courtesy name. Duanmu Zigong was a brilliant social activist, diplomat and businessman.
Duanmu is a surname that originated from Huang Di. According to legend, Zigong's mother was kind, benevolent and dignified. When she was pregnant with Zigong, she dreamt of receiving a precious stone from a deity. Thus, Zigong was named Duanmu Ci (meaning gift).
Education
Zigong became Confucius' disciple at the age of He was a famous student of Confucius and toured various states with Confucius. Zigong was linguistically gifted. He was an eloquent speaker. He was also a very capable man.
Career
Zigong served as chancellor in the states of Lu and Wei. In addition, Zigong was a good businessman who accumulated wealth by trading.
It was said that when the State of Wu began expedition in the north, the army needed large quantities of blankets to protect themselves from the severe cold. As a result, the prices of blankets increased tremendously. Zigong spotted the opportunity and made a windfall gain by selling blankets which he imported from various countries.
According to Shiji, Zigong was busy trading between the different states and was financially sound. Zigong was so wealthy that he often generously presented lavish gifts to officials and governors. Wherever he went, the rulers treated him as an equal. Even Goujian, the King of Yue, cleared the roads and personally received Zigong into his imperial court. While Zigong did extremely well as a merchant, he did not forget the teachings of Confucianism. Although he was wealthy, he was not proud. He remained a benevolent man. Confucius greatly valued righteousness and benevolence. He said: "Riches and power are every man's desire. If attaining them cannot be done by legitimate means, do not accept them. Poverty and lowliness are every man's dislike. But if staying away from them requires illegitimate means, then do not stay away from them." The teachings of Confucius had a very important influence on Zigong who believed that as a "Confucian merchant" one must not only possess knowledge from books and practical experience; maintaining "loyalty" and "trustworthiness" was to him equally important. A merchant naturally works for profits and riches. However, a Confucian merchant must make sure that he attains his profits ethically. Morality or ethics should be the guiding principle in any trading activity. "While wealth is desirable for a gentleman as well, he takes it in its natural course". Morality is the basic principle for a man, and should prevail in his business conduct.