Popular Thought in the Edo Period

• During the Edo period, commerce gradually gained power and influence.

• Ishida Baigan:

  • He believed that it was acceptable for merchants to make a profit.
  • However, he emphasized the importance of conducting clean business practices.
  • He did not reject the social class system.
    • The concept of “Chisoku Anbun” encouraged people to be content with their own social status and not to desire too much.

• Ando Shokai:

  • He idealized the natural world where everyone would engage in agriculture.
  • He secretly criticized the samurai class for not doing anything productive.
    • He cleverly criticized them as “Fukou Donshoku no To” (those who do not cultivate and are greedy).

• Ninomiya Sontoku:

  • He believed that agriculture relied on both the laws of nature and human effort.
    • He emphasized being grateful for the blessings of nature while also addressing the disadvantages through human effort.
  • He promoted the “Houtoku Shisou” (philosophy of gratitude and virtue).
    • This philosophy emphasized gratitude towards ancestors and nature.