In the following memorial to the Emperor Renzong of the Song dynasty (960-1279), the eleventh-century reformer Wang Anshi expresses his political views:

Your servant observes that Your Majesty possesses the virtues of reverence and frugality, and is endowed with wisdom and sagacity. Rising early in the morning and retiring late in the evening, Your Majesty does not relax for even a. single day. Neither music, beautiful women, dogs, horses, sightseeing, nor any of the other objects of pleasure distract or becloud your intelligence in the least.

Day by day the resources of the nation become more depleted and exhausted, while the moral tone and habits of life among the people daily deteriorate.

The cause of the distress is that we ignore the law. Now the government is strict in enforcing the law, and its statutes are complete to the last...