Workflow
英国的工业革命,日本的“勤勉革命”
Hu Xiu·2025-09-04 10:57

Core Points - The article discusses the concept of the "industrious revolution" in Japan during the Edo period, contrasting it with the industrial revolution in Western countries [3][10][15] - It highlights the significant role of human labor in agricultural development, replacing animal power and leading to increased productivity [2][3][11] - The article emphasizes the cultural shift towards valuing hard work and its implications for Japan's later industrialization [12][15] Group 1: Agricultural Development - During the Edo period, agricultural technology advancements relied more on human labor than on capital investment in livestock [2][6] - Farmers increased their labor input, leading to higher land utilization rates and agricultural productivity [2][9] - The expansion of arable land was achieved through the increased labor of farmers and their families, rather than through capital investment in livestock [7][9] Group 2: Cultural Shift - The concept of hard work became a virtue during the Edo period, contrasting with previous societal views on labor [12][13] - This cultural shift was not propagated through religious institutions but rather through familial and social relationships [14] - The increased labor intensity among farmers led to improvements in living standards, knowledge, and cultural activities [15] Group 3: Implications for Industrialization - The industrious qualities developed during the Edo period were crucial for Japan's later industrialization, especially given the lack of natural resources [15] - The article suggests that the hardworking nature of the Japanese people, cultivated over centuries, played a significant role in the success of Japan's industrial revolution [15][16]