Why were there not as many famous scientists in ancient China as famous writers and politicians? Was it because ancient China placed too much emphasis on literature and belittled science and technology?

Answer 1

There were far fewer famous scientists in ancient China than there were famous writers and politicians. It was not entirely because ancient China paid too much attention to literature and despised science and technology. In fact, the scientific and technological achievements of ancient China were also very significant. For example, the inventions and applications of agriculture, water conservancy projects, paper-making, gunpowder, and the compass had a profound impact on the development of science and technology in later generations.

Ancient Chinese literature and philosophy were also very important. They not only left a rich cultural heritage, but also had a profound impact on the development of literary creation and thought in later generations. Therefore, there was no distinction between scientists and writers in ancient China. Instead, they promoted each other and complemented each other.

In ancient China, the development of science and technology, literature and philosophy were not independent of each other. They were closely related. Ancient China's scientific and technological achievements, as well as literary and philosophical achievements, promoted the development of other fields such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, etc.