Modernity is an integration of many aspects that cut across the three definitive structures of man’s existence. They include the social, political, and economic structures. The evolution of these three elements from the ancient times to how they are perceived today is the basis of modernity. Modernity is mainly characterized by the adverse use of technology. In the social, political and economic pillars, modernity is definitively founded on the employment of different technologies. Another feature of modernity is the lifestyle that has been adopted by human beings over the years. Lifestyle includes dressing, recreational activities, occupation, dietary system, medicine, and etcetera. Specific aspects that describe modernity include the use of technology in the military, medicine, communication, socialization, transport and all the other aspects that pertain to man’s comfortable living. Lastly, modernity also includes the amicable organization of people under a centralized leadership and the ability of specific leaders and governments to design effective policies and execute them successfully.
The Song Dynasty was one of the eras in the history of the China that commenced in 960 and ended in 1279. It was one of the most accomplished eras in the history of China. There are aspects of the Song Dynasty era that are very similar and definitive with modernity while there are others that are not. One of the aspects of the Song Dynasty era that does not fit concisely with modernity is technology. As much as there were bits of technological development in farming, trading, and literature, their level does not qualify to be branded as ‘modernity.’ The political organization of the Song Dynasty era was good. Despite Zhao Kuangyin grabbing power from a 7-year-old in A.D. 960, there was a systematic system of ruling. Policy-making was centralized and inclusive (Chuan et al., 2014). The execution of these policies was also done through an elaborate system that ensured all the citizens were served equally by the law. The systematic and well-organized nature of leadership during the Song Dynasty era is definitive of modernity.
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Aspects of modernity like the internet, advanced transport, and communication were not available during the Song Dynasty era. However, it is true to state that the Song Dynasty era was ‘ahead of its time.’ The education level and literacy were very advanced. In addition, the era had a booming economy. There was diversification of sources of income among the locals. There were people working in the commercial and corporate sectors. Farming had been taken a notch higher with the improvisation of farming techniques and tools (Bao et al., 2006). Art and craft were also advanced in the Song Dynasty era. The material and skill employed to create art were breathtaking. I feel that the Song Dynasty era was very established and accomplished regarding structure, organization, and achievement. However, I feel that its formative structures do not definitively fit into modernity. It is crucial to note that as much as the Song Dynasty era does not fully fit into the definition of modernity, its rulers were very instrumental in initiating/beginning East Asian modernity.
Yongle was the third Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. He reigned between 1402 and 1424 (Dreyer, 2007). One connection between the Ming and the Song Dynasties was struggle and contention for leadership. This struggle was pertinent in the history of both dynasties. Another historical connection between the two dynasties is the advancement in several technological aspects. The Ming dynasty, for instance, had canals that were fully operational by 1406. The technology used in the designing and making of the canals together with the respective vessels was a similar occurrence in the two dynasties. Literacy was also taken a notch higher during the Song and Ming dynasties (Dardess, 2012). The monumental Yongle Encyclopedia was compiled during Yongle’s reign. It was a massive book that entailed a lot of information about the Ming dynasty and beyond. It was written between 1403 and 1408 and it comprises of 22,937 manuscript rolls. Yongle Encyclopedia had 11,095 volumes. The ocean voyage revolved around Zheng He who was a Chinese explorer, mariner, fleet admiral, and diplomat. He was also a member of the Ming dynasty between 1371 and 1434. The book explores his experiences during his voyages, expeditions, and life in the Ming dynasty (Tsai, 2011).
References
Bao, Y., Liao, B. & Lane, L. (2006). Renaissance in China: The Culture and Art of the Song Dynasty, 907-1279. Edwin Mellen Press.
Chuan, L., Yun, Q. & Qiuhua, H. (2014). The Urban Life of the Song Dynasty. Paths International Limited.
Dardess, J. W. (2012). Ming China, 1368-1644: A Concise History of a Resilient Empire. Rowman & Littlefield.
Dreyer, E. L. (2007). Zheng He : China and the Oceans in the Early Ming Dynasty, 1405-1433. Pearson Longman.
Tsai, S. H. (2011). Perpetual Happiness: The Ming Emperor Yongle. University of Washington Press.
