Compiled in the early Han dynasty, earlier versions potentially date back to the late Warring states period.
It covers broad subject matter, notably including price regulation of commodities via the concept of "light and heavy" (轻重).
The Guanzi shares with other "Legalist" texts the view that power is independent of morality, emphasizing techniques (Shu) of government, but still advocates "law" (Fa) as an adjunct to Confucian Li.
The Guanzi is named for and traditionally attributed to the 7th century BCE philosopher and statesman Guan Zhong, who served as Prime Minister to Duke Huan of Qi.
With Han Fei reputedly dying in 233 BC, a "proto-Guanzi" theoretically "took shape" in earlier form around 250 BCE, in the late Warring States period.
[12] As is typical of an ancient Chinese text, the organization of the Guanzi has been altered over time, the chronology and significance of which is not all that clear.
When you enlarge your mind and let go of it, When you relax your [qi 氣] vital breath and expand it, When your body is calm and unmoving: And you can maintain the One and discard the myriad disturbances.
[15] The economic policies discussed focus on insulating peasants from fluctuations in the context of then-recently developed market forces and to increase commercialization while benefitting the state.