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金融的逻辑
（套装共2册）
陈志武 著

中信出版集团
 目录

金融的逻辑（上）：金融何以富民强国

金融的逻辑（下）：通往自由之路
 目录

新版序言

老版序言 金融为什么

第一篇 资本化的逻辑
第1章 中国的钱为什么这么多

第2章 为什么钱多了并不一定感到富有

第3章 西方的兴起是因为掠夺的银子多吗

第4章 掠夺对西方的崛起贡献有多大

第5章 资本主义快速发展的核心：资本化

第二篇 金融的逻辑
第6章 治国的金融之道

第7章 政府有钱，不如民间富有

第8章 中国人的理财前景

第9章 反思高利贷与民间金融

第10章 中国是否会发生金融危机

第11章 金融现代化为何如此艰难

第三篇 金融危机的逻辑
第12章 从美国次贷危机中学到什么

第13章 如何理解为解救危机而持股银行

第14章 美国式的借贷消费模式会改变吗

第15章 美国消费驱动型模式不会改变

第四篇 股市的逻辑
 第16章 中国股市怎么了

第17章 资本市场与法治发展的互动 ——回顾中国近十几年的经历

第五篇 文化的金融学逻辑
第18章 对传统文化的金融学反思

第19章 家庭经济互助功能的弱化与中国金融业的兴起

第20章 中国金融发展为何滞后

第21章 市场经济是个人解放的必由之路 ——答《南方周末》记者问

结语 金融证券之于中国未来

致谢
 新版序言

《金融的逻辑》初版问世之时，正时值全球金融危机深谷，中国
也在忙于应对危机冲击。回头来看，本书的出版真可谓恰逢其时：一
方面社会各界对金融普遍持负面态度，主流媒体铺天盖地给以华尔街
为代表的金融业贴上了“贪婪”“掠夺”等标签；另一方面人们对“什么是
金融”“金融为什么”等话题特别好奇。金融市场已经发展了几百年，经
历了一次次金融危机，但每次危机之后，人们不仅没有放弃金融，反
而从危机中吸取教训，使接下来的金融发展得更健康、更深化，这背
后的道理是什么呢？许多读者朋友怀着求知探索的热望，从各种严肃
的金融学术读物和通俗的金融普及读物中寻找答案。在这个大背景
下，《金融的逻辑》获得了众多读者朋友的认同，他们纷纷表示，本
书增进了他们对金融的认识和了解。我对读者朋友们的支持和认同表
示感谢。
金融危机虽然为《金融的逻辑》的出版提供了一个很好的契机，
但是危机本身也强化了一些固有的错误观念，形成了一些错误、片面
的说法。这些说法的核心问题，就是金融的定位问题：是不是只有看
得见的实体经济才能创造价值，而金融不创造价值？显然不是的。与
此相关的错误观点和说法的大行其道，甚至影响到决策层中的许多
人，对中国企业、个人和国家的长期竞争力提升是非常不利的。
这些观点有时听起来很有道理，尤其是在金融危机后更让人觉得
有道理，因为从表面上看，我们人类赖以生存的都是吃穿住行这些看
得见摸得着的“实”物，金融交易这些“虚”的东西既不能填饱肚子，又不
能提供温暖，所以，只有那些生产实物的实体经济活动才是真实的产
出，这种劳动才创造价值，金融活动不创造价值；生产型经济才是发
展的重点，而金融这样的“虚”行业也当然必须为实体经济服务——这些
观点的广为流行，说明社会大众距离真正理解金融、理解经济学原理
还有漫长的路要走。
 首先，没有游离于实体经济之外的金融业，金融也是实体经济。
我们应该看到，任何经济活动的目的都是让作为消费者与生产者的人
过得好、过得幸福，只要我们做的会给人增加幸福或说增加效用，那
就是在创造价值。也就是说，我们应该以人的效用增加来定义价值、
定位价值，而不是以是否生产实物来判断价值创造。
农民种粮食，工人造汽车，我们知道他们在创造价值，因为他们
给人提供了粮食和交通工具，解决了人们的吃和行。医生虽然没有生
产实物，可是治好病给人带来健康，使人的效用增加，所以，医生当
然也在创造价值。那么，金融家的活动是否创造价值呢？
我们还是根据金融是否改善人的效用为标准进行判断。就以意外
保险为例。现在有了财产的意外险，即使发生火灾水灾，房产毁了，
也不用担心一家人是否还能活下去，因为保险公司可以赔付，这样，
心里就有安全感。相比之下，在传统的中国社会，因为没有保险等避
险金融产品，一旦发生灾害，众多家庭往往无家可归，面临生存挑
战，甚至被迫把妻女作为避险资产使用，以求得一家其他老小活下去
的机会。在这个意义上，金融市场带来的不只是让更多人的心里更安
全踏实，而且把女性从避险工具和相配的妇道约束中解放出来，使女
性得到解放。
从更一般的意义上讲，金融虽然不直接增加物质的总产出，但是
通过给人们提供丰富的跨期配置收入与消费、平滑风险事件给生活带
来的冲击的工具，让人们不至于一时饿得难有生路，一时收入多得无
处可花，使每个人一辈子的总体效用达到最高。金融交易虽然没有直
接生产更多看得见摸得着的物质，却使人类社会的整体幸福感、整体
效用大大提高。
在我们看来，实体经济不应该由是否生产实物来定义，而应由是
否增加人的效用来定义。工人、农民、企业家通过生产实物，提升了
人的效用，而金融家通过提供跨期配置风险、跨期配置收入的工具，
也提升了人的效用。只要是在从事提升人类效用的经济活动，就都是
实体经济的重要组成部分。所以，并不只有工业和农业是实体经济，
金融等服务行业也是实体经济。
那么，为什么这么多人难以走出“生产东西的行业才是实体经
济”“金融是虚拟经济”这种误区呢？这当然有其历史背景。在传统农业
社会或者更早时期，生存、温饱一直是人们面临的最大挑战，因为物
质生产能力始终低于人的需求，物质短缺一直困扰着人类。于是，人
们在判断什么活动创造价值、什么经济活动最重要的时候，自然以是
否在生产粮食及其他看得见摸得着的实物作为主要甚至唯一的价值判
断标准。换言之，当物质供给始终不足、许多人处于饥饿或饥饿边缘
的时候，物质生产的边际价值最高，解决温饱、让人活下来是最重要
的，像金融这样的其他经济活动边际价值相对较低。因为物质生产能
直接解决今天的短缺问题，是为今天能活下去服务的，而金融更多的
是解决跨时间、跨空间价值交换的问题。如果今天的生存还没解决
好，人类社会当然顾不上考虑明天、后天是否能活得好了。所以，在
传统农业社会、在物质短缺的社会里，人们自然以是否在“生产东西”来
判断是否在做正事、是否在给社会做贡献，社会盛行“唯实物经济”价值
观就不足为奇了。也正因为这种价值观和物质短缺的现实，农业社会
几乎只有实物生产经济，没有金融经济，人们很自然地把从事金融的
人或商品交易的人视为“不务正业”，甚至视为“剥削者”。
好在1780年左右开启的工业革命改变了人类社会。工业革命首先
发生在英国，到19世纪上半叶慢慢扩展到欧洲大陆和美国，它通过机
器代替人工，使每个人每天的物质产出大大提升。到了19世纪后半
期，美国许多行业的物质产能开始超过需求，开始出现“市场营销”“大
众广告”这些新型职业。试想，当社会处于物质短缺的时候，是消费者
自己去寻找商品，是卖方“俏”买方“贱”，卖方当然不需要花钱做广告、
做“市场营销”了。可是，随着物质生产能力于19世纪后半期超过需
求，买方就走俏了，卖方就必须在竞争中通过广告获得消费者的注
意。所以，在相当程度上，大众广告的出现标志着率先进入工业革命
的社会开始走出物质短缺的时代，向物质过剩的时代迈进。
到了20世纪，特别是随着中国于1978年后开始改革开放，工业革
命不仅使先发达的国家走出物质短缺，而且使中国、印度这些人口大
国也快速走出物质短缺，进入产能过剩时代。20世纪90年代以来，中
国过剩的物质产能通过出口市场找到了销路，但之后出口市场渐渐饱
和。与此同时，与产能过剩形成最大反差的是中国社会的金融供给严
重不足，金融服务供不应求。经济学的常识告诉我们，当物质产能过
剩而金融产能短缺时，那就说明物质生产的总体边际价值为负值，而
金融服务的边际价值相对较高。也就是说，此时需要重点发展的不是
传统的“实体经济”或“实物经济”，而是金融行业，因为后者的边际价值
比前者高，金融业的发展能快速提升社会的整体效用。因此，从经济
学和金融的逻辑来说，应该“要重点发展金融经济”。
我国金融业的发展年头不久，很多人对于金融行业有误解。金融
作为现代社会、现代经济不可或缺的重要组成部分，不会因为一次或
几次危机而中断或者消失，恰恰相反，危机有时甚至是金融业必要的
清毒、消毒过程，为其接下来更健康、更深入的发展奠定基础。退一
步讲，金融业伴随各发达经济体存在并深化发展了多个世纪，这一事
实本身就证明了金融对社会的正面价值。在看到并认同这个结论的同
时，我们还有必要认清金融背后的逻辑。
当金融给国家带来翻天覆地的变化时，随着产权保护体系、契约
执行体系及保障市场交易安全的其他制度的逐步发展和完善，个人创
造财富的能力也发生了质变。和历史上的“康乾盛世”相比，现代普通人
的真实收入也翻了几番。不仅收入的“量”有巨变，而且生活内容和品质
也发生了巨变。今天许多消费品是200多年前所没有的，冷藏技术和交
通工具也使我们的食物结构不再受季节和地理位置的限制。金融和财
富的发展，不仅促进了收入的增加，而且大大扩充了生活、消费的种
类与空间，让普通人也能够生活得更加舒适。
今天的我们很幸运，能够目睹中国和世界财富在近半个世纪的快
速增长，而且，我们有着比前人更好、更系统的机会认清财富的逻
辑，看清楚科学技术、全球化、证券制度等给我们带来的财富的增
长。但与此同时，很多人对于金融和财富背后的逻辑的理解可能还有
不少错误的看法，我希望我的文字能够继续帮助社会公众消除对金融
和财富的误解。这些都是我创作《金融的逻辑》《财富的逻辑》这一
系列图书背后的动力。
《金融的逻辑》和《财富的逻辑》，收录了我多年来在这两方面
的研究文章。《金融的逻辑》偏重从历史和国家的宏观角度，通过金
融在不同文化背景、不同历史时期、不同国家的发展，展现金融的内
在运行逻辑，阐述金融的本质，以及它对人类进步和发展、国家经济
和财富增长的作用，便于读者对金融有一个深刻的立体认知；《财富
的逻辑》则更侧重于从微观和个人层面，从财富创造和创富工具、创
富渠道、市场监管等方面，阐述如何能够更好地利用金融和资本，获
得更加幸福的生活。
希望我的这些书，能够给读者朋友们带来更多的帮助。
陈志武
2020年9月5日
 老版序言
金融为什么

2007年7月，美国出现次贷危机。到2008年秋，次贷危机进一步
演变成全方位的金融危机。在2008年9月15日雷曼兄弟公司倒闭之后，
美国的金融危机不仅裂变成全球金融危机，而且转变成十足的经济危
机，对全球经济形成严重冲击，给多国带来失业大增、政治动荡的严
峻挑战。
这个时候，我们自然想知道：金融到底是怎么回事？危机之后，
金融市场是否会终结？人类社会为什么需要金融市场？金融交易除了
让华尔街、金融界赚钱之外，对社会到底有没有贡献、有没有创造价
值？如果有的话，是如何贡献的、如何创造价值的？金融的逻辑是什
么？

我跟金融结缘完全是巧合。
1986年1月，我从国防科技大学毕业，拿到系统工程硕士学位。由
于那时我的英文较好，学校不让我离校，于是，我毕业即留校。只是
到那时，我已对工程没有兴趣。权衡之下，就要求分到政治教研室工
作，这样，至少能名正言顺地看些社会科学类著作。在那时，全国没
有几个政治学、社会科学类的研究生，就这样，我成了第一个进入国
防科大政治教研室的硕士毕业生。去那里之后，具体工作主要是给教
研室老师分苹果、送花生、收钱等等。
同年3月，我收到耶鲁大学管理学院的录取通知，给我奖学金和生
活费用，让我进入其博士班。该博士项目包括金融、财会、市场营
销、管理经济学以及运筹学，去了之后我可以选择其中任一学科作为
研究方向。这么多选择，一下把我弄糊涂了，当时，除了经济学和运
筹学之外，我确实不知道其他学科是什么。
那时，崔之元在国防科大读数学本科，我跟他在一起写文章、译
书。问他：“什么是finance？”他说：“是金融。”“那，什么是金融？”他
接着再给了一个解释，只不过我确实没听懂，也就没记住他的解释。
我想，反正我的兴趣是用数理方法研究政治、经济与社会，所以，不
知道什么是金融也无妨。
就这样，1986年8月28日，我稀里糊涂地来到耶鲁大学。第一学期
要上的课程个人没有多少选择空间，不管你今后学哪科，都要上线性
代数、概率论与统计、微观经济学以及效用函数理论。第二学期上的
是非线性代数、计量经济学、博弈论、微观经济学。这期间，我发
现，原来要跟随的那位导师年纪较大，他所做的研究课题有些过时
了。同学给我建议：“不要选择博弈论政治学或者数理经济学了，还是
学金融经济学吧。”
但是，什么是金融呢？

到今天，按照我的定义，金融的核心是跨时间、跨空间的价值交
换，所有涉及价值或者收入在不同时间、不同空间之间进行配置的交
易都是金融交易。金融学就是研究跨时间、跨空间的价值交换为什么
会出现，如何发生，怎样发展，等等。
比如，货币就是如此。它的出现首先是为了把今天的价值储存起
来，等明天、后天或者未来任何时候，再把储存其中的价值用来购买
别的东西。货币同时也是实现跨地理位置的价值交换的工具。今天你
在张村把东西卖了，带上钱，走到李村，你又可以用这些钱去买想要
的东西。因此，货币解决了价值跨时间储存、跨空间移动的问题，货
币的出现对贸易、商业的发展具有革命性的创新。
像明清时期发展起来的山西“票号”，则主要以异地价值交换为目
的，让本来需要跨地区运物、运银子才能完成的贸易，只要送过去山
西票号出具的汇票就可以了！其好处是大大降低了异地货物贸易的交
易成本，让物资生产公司、商品企业把注意力集中在它们的商品上，
把异地支付的挑战留给票号，体现各自的专业分工。在交易成本降低
之后，跨地区贸易市场不快速发展也难！
相比之下，借贷交易是最纯粹的跨时间价值交换。你今天从银行
或者从张三手里借到一万元，先用上，即所谓的“透支未来”，明年或者
5年后，你再把本钱加利息还给银行或张三。对银行或张三来说，则正
好相反，他们把今天的钱借出去，转移到明年或者5年后再花。
到了现代社会，金融交易已经超出了以上几种简单的人际交换安
排，要更为复杂。比如，股票所实现的金融交易，表面看也是跨时间
的价值配置，今天你买下三一重工股票，把今天的价值委托给了三一
重工（和市场），今后再得到投资回报；三一重工则先用你投资的
钱，今后再给你回报。你跟三一重工之间就这样进行价值的跨时间互
换。但这种跨时间的价值互换又跟未来的事件连在一起：如果三一重
工未来赚钱了，它可能给你分红；但如果未来不赚钱，三一重工就不
必给你分红，你就有可能血本无归。所以，股票这种金融交易也是既
跨时间又跨空间的价值交换，这里所讲的“空间”指的是未来的赢利或亏
损状态。
当然，对金融的这种一般性定义可能过于抽象，这些例子又好像
过于简单。实际上，在这些一般性定义和具体金融品种之上，人类社
会已经推演、发展出了规模庞大的各类金融市场，包括建立在一般金
融证券之上的各类衍生金融市场，所有这些已有的以及未来的金融交
易品种，不外乎是为类似于上述简单金融交易服务的。金融交易范围
从起初的以血缘关系为主，扩大到乡镇、地区、全省、全国，再进一
步扩大到全球。
为什么人类社会的金融交易规模与范围发生了这么大的变迁？跨
越时间、跨越空间的价值交换所要解决的人类问题是什么？金融市场
靠什么才能发展？

三
 1987年秋季，也就是在耶鲁大学读博士的第二年，我兴奋地等到
了金融经济学课程的开课。一开始，教授既没讲金融是怎么回事，也
没介绍人类的金融发展史，而是一上来就把所有金融交易用随机变量
来描述，亦即，不管是股票、债券、借贷签约，还是其他任何金融交
易合同，都可以由随机变量来表达。老师说，正因为所有的金融交易
都是由金融合同来完成的，都涉及今天和未来不同时间之间的价值交
换，而未来又充满不确定性、充满随机事件，所以，通过把任何金融
交易合同的细节条款转换成未来随机事件，分析清楚在每个事件出现
时交易双方的得失跟未来事件的关系，就是概率论中讲到的随机变
量。
于是，金融学所要研究的就是如何实现这些随机变量的交易、如
何为这些随机变量定价的问题。老师说，金融市场的作用之一就是对
未来定价，对交易风险定价。
那些课使当时还没有进入主题状态、没有了解金融交易实质的我
一头雾水。搞数学推导、为这些随机变量做定价模型我还可以，因为
在中南大学读计算机专业、在国防科大读系统工程时，我学过不少数
学，到耶鲁的第一年学了更多。只是从那时一直到2001年前后，我研
究的对象与其说是“大社会境况中的金融市场”，还不如说是数学世界里
的随机变量和随机过程。对于我这个还比较喜欢数学的人来说，那不
是一件坏事，从中还可以体现出中国教育体系出来的人的一种优势。
可是，那也让我离真实的世界较远，不能够从金融作为“大社会”中的一
分子的角度来研究问题。
那些年的学习中也不乏观念上的冲击。最大的冲击莫过于价值
论。一件东西、一种经济活动的价值由什么决定？交易行为本身是否
创造价值？按照我们从中学到大学政治经济学中学到的劳动价值论来
理解，一件物品有它的固有价值，即生产它所花的时间乘以社会单位
劳动时间的成本。也就是说，只有劳动创造价值，交易不创造价值。
但是，在1987年的金融经济学课上，我了解到任何东西或证券不存在
什么固有价值，只存在相对价值。也就是说，只有相对于人的效用而
言，才有价值这回事儿。东西或证券的价值取决于它能否让个人的效
用提高，包括消费效用、财富效用、主观幸福或满足感。这等于说，
即使花百亿元、十万劳动力一年的时间才能建好的漂亮大楼，如果没
有人或机构用它，那么，那栋楼也会一文不值；再昂贵的机器设备，
如果没有人要，也一文不值；再怎么费力做成的衣服，如果没有人愿
意出钱买，也只是一堆废布。这种观念对我的帮助很大，终于让我理
解，原来计划经济时期只顾生产、不顾所产东西有没有人要或者有没
有市场，很多时候不是在创造价值，而是在摧毁价值。
反之，即使一样东西没有花多少钱或者劳动时间，它的价值照样
可以很高。最具体的例子是像百度、腾讯这样的公司，这些公司都只
有20年左右的历史，而且最初都是由几十人创办起来的，也没有自己
的高楼大厦，但现在市值都很高，不仅远高于其实际投入的资金和时
间成本，而且比那些投资巨大、拥有众多厂房设备与高楼大厦、经营
运作了几十年的企业，例如武钢、一汽、二汽等，更值钱。之所以这
样，是因为价值取决于这些公司能带来的效用或者说收益，而不取决
于其建设成本，跟建设所需的劳动时间关系不大。换言之，价值由未
来的收益决定，不是由过去的成本决定。
效用决定价值，而不是劳动成本决定价值，这对于理解金融的逻
辑极为重要。一个最典型的例子是投资银行中介服务。假如张三要创
办一个造船厂，他手头已经有20亿美元的造船订单，只是需要2亿美元
投资。如果造船厂做成了，公司的价值能涨到20亿美元以上。但问题
是，张三自己无法找到投资者。与此同时，温州、香港等地的很多个
人和机构有很多闲钱存在银行，赚3%的年利息，却苦于找不到风险低
回报高的投资机会。
在这种情况下，需要资金的创业者找不到投资方，而愿意投资的
又找不到合适的项目，经济发展就会受阻。投资银行家李四利用他平
时在张三和投资方中间建立的信任，把两方牵到一起，让两方做成投
资交易。这对张三和投资方来说是双赢，张三的造船业务能扩张、个
人财富能大大增加，而投资者的未来回报预期也远优于银行存款利
息。为促成这种金融投资交易，虽然李四可能只花了5天时间，劳动付
出有限，但是，由于张三和投资方都信任他，他的信用服务于双方，
为张三、为投资方分别创造了数亿美元价值（他至少使这种价值前景
成为可能），那么，李四得到1000万美元（相当于所筹2亿美元资金的
5%）的佣金是应该的。当然，5%的佣金或许有些高，但是，正因为
李四给交易双方带来这么大的未来财富前景，他贡献的价值显然应该
跟这种未来财富前景相连，而不该由他花的劳动时间决定。

我从金融作为“大社会”中一分子的角度来研究金融，是2001年之
后的事。从那以后的学术思考和研究，让我更加认识到金融发展的价
值。转折点出现于2001年暑期，那次回国旅行，让我看到中国社会变
化如此之大，激发我研究市场发展、关心社会转型的问题。
2002年6—12月，我在清华大学经济管理学院访问，其间讲一门金
融经济学课程。课程内容基本跟我从1991—2001年在威斯康星大学、
俄亥俄州立大学以及耶鲁大学所授博士班的课程相同，那就是，先假
定各类金融市场已经很发达，我们唯一要做的是如何为金融资产定
价，如何在资本市场上运作，如何利用证券产品把投资和风险配置得
更好，等等。课程的重点是推导金融数学模型、市场经济模型。之
后，在北京大学光华管理学院也讲过类似的课程与内容。
几次讲下来，我意识到，对于金融市场还处于发展阶段的国内同
学来说，这些理论不仅很超前，而且的确难以把这些理论跟他们的生
活以及未来就业联系起来，因此，他们对课程的反应一般，应属情理
之中。
但是，那些教学经历和观察也启发了我的思考。如果说今天的中
国人还不能像金融理论模型中的消费者那样，能够在众多信贷、保
险、投资、养老、理财金融产品中去挑选并找到最理想的投资理财组
合的话，那么，在更传统的古代、近代社会中，人们又是如何生活、
如何规避一生中各种各样的风险，做好养老、病残时期的生活安排
呢？金融经济理论是不是对于没有外部金融市场的传统社会的人就不
适用呢？
有一点是肯定的，不管是古代还是现代，单个人生存下去的能力
是很低的，天灾人祸、生老病残时你都需要其他人的帮助。所以，为
了能够更顺利地活下去，也为了生命的延续，个人必须跟其他人进行
跨时间、跨空间的利益交换，即人与人之间的金融交易是人类发展的
必要行为。比如，原始社会时期，人靠捕获野生动物、采集野生果蔬
养活自己。在那种生产方式下，个人时常会数天捕不到猎物，如果不
是在部落之内人人共享狩猎采摘成果，亦即部落成员之间隐性地进行
跨时间的价值交换，许多个人会很快饿死。
因此，人际金融交易是任何社会都必须进行的，只是实现人际金
融交易的形式很不一样，今天我们熟悉的外部市场提供的金融证券只
是其中之一。在原始社会里，部落公有制是一种实现形式。在那种安
排下，个人没有自己的空间，没有自己的财产，但好处是所有劳动成
果都共享，让群体活下去的可能性最大化。
在农业社会里，人际金融交易也以人格化的隐性方式实现，其交
易范围缩小到家庭、家族这些血缘体系内。家庭、家族之内不分你
我，养儿就是为了防老，子女即为人格化了的保险品、信贷品和养老
投资品；亲戚间“礼尚往来”，就是我说的跨时间价值交换的代名词，得
到一份礼就让你欠一份人情，下次回礼时你才还了那份人情。所以，
那种金融交易安排下，交易头寸是以“人情”记录下来的，而不是以显性
金融合约的形式记录的。
当养育子女是实现跨时间价值转移的最主要方式时，农民规避风
险和养老的境况就不是由保险产品的好坏、股票的多少、基金的投资
组合决定，而是由儿子的数量和质量决定，也就是传统所说的“多子多
福”。“四世同堂”之所以是一种理想境界，也因为这样进行人际隐性金
融交易的范围就可以尽可能地大。所以，越传统的农业社会，越会在
粮食产量允许的条件下尽可能地让人口膨胀。
中世纪时期的欧洲，教会是血缘之外或者说与血缘网络并行的互
助结盟组织，其结盟的基础不是血缘，而是对上帝的共同信仰。教会
跟家族、宗族类似，一方面起到经济上的互助、互保作用，也就是实
现成员间的跨时间利益交换，即金融交易；另一方面促进成员间的情
感以及其他非物质交流，给成员提供安身立命的信仰基础。
因此，现在我们熟悉的由金融市场提供的信贷、保险、证券、基
金等金融产品，并非人际跨时间、跨空间金融交换的唯一形式，只不
过，它们是超越血缘、超越社团组织的非人格化的实现形式。在金融
市场上，那些金融公司不管你姓什么，是谁的儿子，读过多少书，有
什么意识形态，持什么政治信念，信过什么宗教，只要你具有交易信
用，有支付能力，它们就会跟你做金融交易。
那么，为什么并非所有的社会都选择发展外部化、非人格化的金
融市场呢？为什么在传统的中国没有出现现代证券市场呢？这又涉及
人际金融交易的性质、所要求的信用支持架构。仔细思考一下，我们
会发现，正因为金融交易是跨时间、跨空间的人际价值交换，是把交
易双方在不同时间的收入进行互换，那么，彼此信任是交易能否成功
的关键，信用和交易安全是核心。换言之，金融交易跟一般商品交易
有本质差别，商品交易往往是现货，以现金交易，所以，交易双方即
使素不相识，问题也不太大；但是，金融交易一般不是现货交易，而
是价值的跨期支付，不能是一锤子买卖，所以，没有互信、没有保证
金融契约执行的制度基础，就没有金融交易的发展。
现代股票市场、债券市场、基金市场等，是伴随着现代法治制度
的出现而发展起来的。也就是说，没有支持陌生人之间交易的现代商
法、合同法、证券法等方面的发展，就不会有今天我们熟悉的那些外
部化了的金融证券市场；反之，金融证券交易在陌生人之间的深化过
程，也带来了更多、更深层次的法治要求，促进了后者的演变。在这
个意义上，人际金融交易范围的不同，对社会的文化价值体系、对正
式与非正式制度的要求也会不同。
这就是为什么现代之前，几乎所有的农业社会都有立足于血缘的
文化和社会秩序，传统的儒家文化也不例外。血缘关系是一种个人出
生之前和出生之后都无法选择的关系，出生在哪家、谁是你的父母、
谁是你的兄弟姐妹、谁是你的爷爷奶奶等等，这些都不是你能挑选
的，也是你一辈子不能改变的。这种稳定和不可选择性，对于还没有
外部非人格化、建立法治体系的传统社会来说，最有利于建立并维护
诚信，血缘关系的永恒就是信用。所以，从金融的视角来看，传统
的“育儿防老”是一种基于血缘的跨时间、跨空间的人际利益交换安排，
而“三纲五常”所规范的“名分等级”秩序则是支持这种交易体系的文化制
度保障。在“三纲五常”的安排之下，社会中每个人都有其名分、等级，
越位就是“犯上”，甚至朝廷法律也明文规定不孝子该杀。这种刚性秩序
当然能增加“孝道”下的人际隐性金融交易的安全，父母不用担心在子女
身上的投资会没有回报，兄不用担心弟的回报。因此，在传统中国社
会中，人们普遍对儒家建立的这种刚性交易体系“放心”，家庭、家族内
的金融交易风险小，这也是这一体系能运作2000多年的原因。
只不过，这种刚性体系过于偏重父母、兄长作为“投资者”的权利
（甚至权力），压制子女、年幼者的权利。只要你出生的时间晚，哪
怕只晚一点，这一辈子的地位就永远低于先于你出生的人。特别是在
这样一种隐性金融交易的安排下，“养儿防老”等于把子女当成了经济工
具，家庭的建立、子女养育等，都过多地受利益驱使，使利益和感情
无法分离。
因此，虽然家庭、教会、金融市场都能提供人际的跨时间利益交
换，这几种交易安排之间也的确有极强的替代性，但是，它们的利弊
差异极大。比如，在“养儿防老”体系下，人更多的是作为投资、保险、
信贷交易的载体而存在，人首先是经济工具，而人性价值、个人权利
和个人自由被牺牲太多。一个人可以因“不孝”而被处死，等于在说人存
在的金融工具作用，就是体现“养儿防老”，不承认超越金融交易载体的
人权。
相比之下，非人格化的金融市场发展之后，压在家庭、家族之上
的经济交易功能逐步从家庭、家族剥离，信贷、保险、投资功能都可
由金融市场来承担。这就是为什么我说金融市场正在把中国家庭从利
益交换中解放出来，让家庭的功能重点定义在情感交流、精神世界
上，家应该是情感的天地，是精神上安身立命之所，而不是利益交换
场。

开始从社会的角度理解金融、从金融的角度理解社会变迁之后，
我的思想世界顿时热闹了许多，原来文化就是这样随着人类生存的需
要而演变、调整的，或者说，文化价值的目的第一是使人活下去的概
率最大化，第二是使个人自由最大化。也就是说，当生产能力低下、
金融交易工具不发达的时候，人们会为了生存而愿意牺牲一些个人自
由。但是，一旦物质生产能力足够高、金融市场足够发达，继续牺牲
个人自由、个人权利就没有必要，社会文化必然会做相应的调整，这
也是中国今天的经历。
刘教授是广州一所大学的历史学教授，他研究中国历代契约的变
迁史，其学问之深令我佩服。2005年，刘教授来耶鲁大学访问一年。
他对我讲到他的亲身经历：2004年，他在上海的内弟小王准备结婚，
要花120万元买150平方米的房子。小王和未婚妻都在金融公司工作，
年收入加在一起18万元，他们手头的积蓄有30万元，还缺90万元。那
90万元怎么找到呢？
一种可能当然是小王去银行做按揭贷款，如果做30年到期、年息
5%的按揭，小王今后的月供大约4832元，年供不到6万元，他们当然
能支付，但占小王夫妻未来年收入的1/3。
不过，小王和未婚妻不愿意做按揭贷款。他们跟父母说，如果做
按揭贷款，不是让他们一结婚成家就背上月供的包袱吗？小王的父母
想想，觉得也是，不能让年轻夫妻背上这么重的包袱！他的父母60岁
出头，已退休，手头有60万元养老用的积蓄。就这样，小王父母拿出
手头60万元的积蓄，刘教授夫妇把手头仅有的20万元积蓄贡献出来，
另一位亲戚出10万元，给小王买上了150平方米的房子。
当然，刘教授讲的故事对中国人很普通，没有什么稀奇。只是这
种安排改变了小王大家庭的关系和性质。
第一，刘教授现在一想起这事就恼火。作为历史学教授，他的收
入不高，20万元的积蓄是他当时所有的钱。他说自己在广州的房子还
不到70平方米，凭什么他要用自己所有的积蓄供他内弟买那么大的房
子？所以，从那以后，提起他内弟，他首先想到的是自己过去的积
蓄，而不是他跟内弟的感情有多么好。况且因为那笔钱，刘教授跟夫
人的关系也变得紧张！
第二，本来，小王父母可以把自己的60万元养老钱做投资理财，
若干年后自己能有钱养活自己，也能有自己的尊严。但是，现在钱都
给了儿子，今后的养老就要很大程度上依靠儿子、女儿了。也就是
说，不管今后跟儿媳、女婿是否处得好，都没有别的选择，只好跟他
们一起住，或者靠他们供养，等着他们给钱。这样，本来可以自立养
老的小王父母，今后就只能看别人的脸色养老了，不能有自己的自主
生活空间，不能想怎么花钱就怎么花了。
第三，同样糟糕的是，正因为小王这么容易就得到90万元的帮
助，他无法感受到靠自己劳动养活自己的责任，那看似“免费午餐”的
90万元，只会培养懒惰。
而如果小王通过按揭贷款获得90万元，表面看会给小王夫妇带来
月供压力，但是，这种压力不是坏事，会迫使小王奋发向上，增强责
任感。同时，这也让其父母留住养老钱，不需要看子女的脸色。另
外，对刘教授夫妇来说，他们的关系就不会出现紧张，当然也不会让
刘教授一想起内弟就想到自己失去的积蓄。
实际上，这两种安排，给每个人带来的自由度也截然不同。试
想，小王拿了亲戚的90万元买了大房子，他们夫妻俩今后消费什么东
西，亲戚自然有权过问、有权管，就像刘教授抱怨小王的房子比他的
大很多一样！等小王父母更老、靠子女的钱养老时，他父母花钱也会
受到儿子、儿媳、女儿、女婿的监督，花别人的钱能那么自由吗？
总之，靠血缘网络内部来互通有无，来实现人际金融交易，最终
不能激励每个人奋发向上，培养的是等待“免费午餐”、搭便车的精神。
比较而言，外部金融市场更能逼着每个人去自食其力，也为个人空
间、个人自由的最大化提供基础。

小时候，父母都会教我们不能借钱花、要量入为出，还有就是要
多存钱。在我们的传统文化中，借钱总是件很负面的事，透支、负
债、欠钱等是一些贬义词。或许正因如此，证券类金融市场在中国历
史上没有发展机会，一直受到抑制，金融学更是不能走上正堂。
其实，借贷类金融交易是帮助借方把一次性大的开支平摊到今天
和未来许多年月上，不让一次性大开支把个人、企业或者国家压垮。
就像小王买房要120万元，这种开支的确很大，但买下之后，不只是今
天享受，未来许多年也会享受其好处，所以，通过按揭贷款把这些支
付压力平摊到未来30年，不是让“享受”和“成本”在时间上更匹配吗？这
本应该是一件纯经济的正常事情。
今天，借贷金融对个人、对家庭、对企业的贡献，仍然被很多人
低估。但是，如果做客观分析，我们会发现借钱花也可以是好事，在
某些情况下，甚至是更好的选择。
在国家层面，过去我们总认为，国库真金白银越多的国家，就越
强大；要借钱花的国家，是弱国。冲击我这种观念的是下面这段历
史。如果我们把1600年左右的国家分成两组：一组是国库深藏万宝的
国家，像明朝时的中国，那时国库藏银1250万两（尽管明朝当时快要
灭亡了），印度国库藏金6200万块，土耳其帝国藏金1600万块，日本
朝廷存金1030万块；另一组是负债累累的国家，像西班牙、英国、法
国、荷兰、意大利各城邦国家。那么，从17世纪到20世纪，哪组国家
发展得更好呢？当年国库金银万贯的国家，除日本于19世纪后期通过
明治维新改变命运外，其他的到今天还都是发展中国家，而当时负债
累累的却是今天的发达国家！
中国以及其他发展中国家今天的外汇储备又达数万亿美元，而西
方发达国家依然负债累累，未来的国家发展将会呈现什么样的格局，
这关键要看中国今后如何利用债券市场以及其他证券市场了。
回过头看，我们中国是这么喜欢存钱，在第一次鸦片战争之后，
1842—1848年间朝廷每年的财政盈余还在1500万两银子以上，这种年
年财政盈余状况一直持续到1895年。按理说，两次鸦片战争失败的教
训，即使没有逼着朝廷把未来的收入借过来加快国力发展，至少也使
它愿意把岁入都花掉搞发展，而不是还想着往国库存钱！到最后，晚
清也像宋朝、明朝末年那样，战争开支和赔款实在太大，在历来因为
不用发债融资而使中国债券市场没机会发展的情况下，朝廷无法用债
券把那些大支出的压力平摊到未来。过不了支付压力这一关，清政府
就只好垮台。
这些历史不断引发我对金融的兴趣和思考。为什么西方国家借债
花钱不仅没垮，反而强大起来？后来我认识到，美国可能是近代最好
的例子。美国虽然负债全球第一，却仍是最强大的国家，其立国之初
是靠负债幸存下来。这应该跟中国各朝代的经历正好相反：中国历朝
初期国库满满，但之后每况愈下，到最后财政危机终结朝代。而美国
在其立国之初就负债累累，之后不断利用债券市场透支未来，而且还
透支越来越多，可是其国力却越来越强。
我们一般都熟悉美国于1776年7月4日宣布脱离英国独立、1787年
的制宪会议通过美国宪法这些政治史实，但未必了解金融借贷对美国
历史的支柱作用。美国独立的起因当然是英国对北美殖民地的征税失
控，殖民地的人必须向英国缴税，但却没权选举代表进入英国议会，
去参政、议政、立法。这一背景很重要，因为这决定了美国独立战争
以及之后政府的开支不能靠大规模加税来弥补：如果新成立的政府也
要加税，为什么还要独立呢？所以，各届大陆会议只能靠多印纸币、
借债来找到财务支持。但是，那时既没有联邦政府，更没有收税机
构，“大陆币”、战争债难有市场，在1776—1787年间不断出现的债务
困难，几次都差点让独立运动破产，迫使北美重回英国的怀抱！
稍微细看，我们知道，从1763年开始，英王乔治三世通过一系列
法案加强了对北美殖民地的控制，加大征税，由此激发了殖民地的反
抗，导致诸如1773年“波士顿倾茶事件”、1775年列克星敦枪声等关键
性事件，使得北美对英国的敌意一发不可收拾。1775年6月15日，第二
届大陆会议选举华盛顿为大陆军总司令，正式与英军开战。
1776年3月17日，为了避免战争对波士顿造成的伤害，华盛顿请求
把战场转移到纽约。英军接受请求，转移战场。当第二届大陆会议于7
月4日宣布美国独立时，华盛顿正在纽约曼哈顿南端，其军队士气得到
了及时的鼓舞。那时，英国皇家海军正在结集100多艘战船、3万多正
规军，集中攻打守在曼哈顿几乎没有受过正规训练的1万大陆军，而且
大陆军也没有任何战船。8月27日，皇家海军轻而易举地夺下长岛，大
陆军惨败。之后，华盛顿采用边退边打的游击战法，跟英军开始了拖
延战术。
实际上，刚刚宣布独立的美国，更大的挑战不在战场上，而是在
经费的来源上。起初，第一届大陆会议考虑过在各州征税，但因上面
讲到的原因很快被否决。独立战争开支主要有以下几个来源：第一，
由政府发行“大陆币”，1775—1780年共印了37次“大陆币”；第二，由
大陆会议政府发行债券，1775年发行首批公债用于购买军火；第三，
13个州（殖民地）的份子贡献，由各州自己发行战争债提供；第四，
从法国借来的贷款；第五，给士兵、供货商写欠条。
 但在1780年底，政府债已经没人买了；各州也弹尽粮绝，不愿再
发债奉献了；大多数士兵的服役期到年底就结束，不愿再收欠条作军
饷；眼看大陆军就要失败，几乎没有人再愿意接受“大陆币”。
就在独立运动要夭折之际，华盛顿派助理前往法国，成功说服法
国国王再借给美国250万法国金币。法国贷款没到之前，后来成为美国
第一任财政部长的亚历山大·汉密尔顿先将其做抵押，立即通过再贷款
得到救命钱，让大陆军维持到次年9月。最终，在法国海军的支持下，
大陆军于1781年9月在南方港口城市约克镇打赢关键一战，从此扭转独
立战争的局面，迫使英国于1783年9月签署《巴黎条约》，承认美国独
立。一个年轻国家就这样靠举债幸存下来。
1783年独立战争正式结束了，但是，建国的挑战才刚刚开始。如
果说今天的全球金融危机是因美国联邦政府、地方政府、企业、家庭
写 “ 借 条 ” 太 多 ， 因 债 务 泛 滥 而 产 生 的 ， 那 么 ， 1783 年 时 的 美 国 货
币、“借条”、债券种类并没少多少，仅各类战争债、州政府债、社区债
所用到的支付货币就五花八门，诸如“老大陆币”“新大陆币”、墨西哥银
圆、西班牙银圆、英镑，有的债券干脆就没注明以什么货币支付。整
个金融市场一片混乱，许多债券的价格不到其面值的10%，基本无人
问津，商品市场也没有秩序。这种乱局严重影响人们对美国前景的信
心，挑战新共和国的命运。
1790年1月，年仅33岁的财政部长亚历山大·汉密尔顿向国会递交
了一份债务重组计划，宣布在1788年宪法通过之前美国发行的所有债
务，包括联邦与地方政府发的各种战争债、独立战争中军队签的各类
借条，全部按原条款由联邦政府全额兑现。为了兑现承诺，联邦政府
发行了三只新债券，前两只债券年息6%（一只于1791年1月开始付
息，另一只到1801年才付息），第三只债券只付年息3%。换言之，由
这三只可以自由交易的债券取代原来五花八门的战争债，大大简化了
新国家的债务局面。
今天看，汉密尔顿的债务重组举措，好像只是一种简单的债务证
券化运作，但是，他的天才创新在于，这三只债券埋下了纽约证券交
易所，也就是“华尔街”的种子，因为这些债券从1790年10月上市交易
后，加上次年由汉密尔顿推出的“美国银行”股票，立即将市场的力量聚
焦在这四只债券上，强化了价格发现机制，提升了流动性，集中展现
了市场活力。从此，美国资本市场一发不可收拾，为之后的工业革
命、科技创新效劳。
美国金融之父汉密尔顿的创举意义在于，他让这三只债券成为反
映美国未来前景的晴雨表，债券价格就是市场对美国未来的定价。汉
密尔顿兑现过去所有战争债的承诺，振奋了市场对美国未来的信心，
这些债券价格随即猛涨，为更多的政府融资广开财路！
债券市场先于其他证券市场发展，而债券市场又起源于战争融资
需要，早期英国以及其他西欧国家是这样，后来的美国还是这样。
那么，从美国的经历中，我们或许可以理解为什么230年前负债累
累的美国以及400年前债务压身的西欧国家，反而在那之后胜过当时国
库满满的中国、印度。我的感悟包括以下两方面。
第一，国库钱越多、朝廷银库越满，国王、皇帝专制基础越牢
固，因为他们不需要靠老百姓的钱养着；相反，越是朝廷欠债累累的
国家，其国王、政府就必然要依赖老百姓缴税，有求于百姓，这最终
能制约国王的权力、促进民主与规则的发展。如哈佛大学教授理查德·
派普斯（Richard Pipes）在《财富与自由》（Property and Freedom）
中说，之所以民主法治能在英国兴起，就是因为在英国皇室把土地权
逐步卖掉之后，国王不得不每年与掌握征税权的议会交涉。就像在当
初的美国一样，一旦国家负债累累，而老百姓又不得不缴税的时候，
连那些本来不关心政治的公民也不得不关心政府的权力和自己的权
利，缴税是提醒公民权利、感受政府权力的最具体方式。无须征税也
能自己富有的君主或者政府，其制度必会走向专制。
第二，就如当年美国三只国债一样，这些国债的存在与交易给市
场提供了评估其政府政策与制度优劣的具体工具，通过国债价格的上
涨与下跌，立即反映出市场对国家未来的定价。只要国家的负债足够
高、只要继续发债的需要还在，国债价格的下跌必然逼着政府对其政
策或法律做出修正。公民投票是民主制度的重要形式，但投票无法天
天进行，而证券市场对国家的监督、评估、定价却是每时每刻的。美
国和英国是如此兴起的，其他西欧国家的经历要么也如此，要么就被
金融市场教训。
 负债累累的政府是一个权力难以扩张的政府，因为负债后，一方
面政府就得面对债券市场，另一方面就得征税，就得面对纳税人。或
许，负债、债券市场、征税、纳税人，这些也都是民主宪政的砖瓦。
金融不仅能帮助一个国家分摊一时的支付压力，还能促进制度的良性
发展。

回头看，对金融的认识、理解，我花了20余年时间。1986—2001
年间的数理金融理论训练和研究，给了我分析人、社会、经济的科学
方法和基本框架，让我认识到人生一辈子效用函数的最大化是人的行
为的终极目的，而达到这一目的的手段和工具在不同时期、不同社会
是不一样的。这一分析框架或许就是一把钥匙，帮助我认识社会、文
化、历史还有其他，包括反思和审视我们习以为常的许多观念，也包
括再思考企业和国家的治理战略。
本书汇集的正是这些年反思、审视、研究、讨论的结果。
 第一篇
资本化的逻辑
 第1章
中国的钱为什么这么多[1]

“流动性过剩”“钱太多”，是前些年的时髦话题。实际上，在全球范
围内，中东石油“钱”、俄罗斯与加拿大自然资源“钱”、美国高科
技“钱”……到处是“钱”；至于开放式基金、对冲基金、私人股权基金，
众多基金公司都管理着几百亿、几千亿美元；中国工商银行上市之时
不费吹灰之力就融资219亿美元，在中国，“钱”更是多得不得了。如果
按广义货币与GDP之比来衡量，那么，1980年中国的广义“钱”量只是
GDP的22%，相对于每一元钱的GDP只有0.22元在流通。从那以后，随
着市场化改革的深入，中国经济的“钱”化程度直线上升，到2003年达
到新高，流通的“钱”量是GDP的1.9倍，相对于每一元钱的GDP产出差
不多有2元钱在流通，社会上的确到处是钱！
从表面看，今天世界的钱似乎太多了，有一种非理性繁荣，很多
国家的货币供应水平是历史上少有的。就以2006年为例，日本的广义
货币相当于GDP的140%，美国的广义货币相当于GDP的50%。
不过，单纯从货币供应占GDP的比率还不能判断“钱”是太多了还是
太少了，关键要看通货膨胀率的高低。如果通货膨胀不是问题，货币
供应、资本供应再多也没问题，这就是现在各国中央银行都以通货膨
胀率为货币政策衡量标准的原因。虽然各国货币供应多，但目前主要
国家的通货膨胀率却都在2%~3%之间，这说明货币供应多也有它的道
理。
可是，这么说并没有从根本上解释为什么中国的钱多、世界的流
动性过剩不是问题。为什么钱多、资本多而通货却不膨胀呢？跟以往
的历史时期比，今天的世界到底是怎么回事？是不是已经有一种全球
金融大泡沫，而且会像一些人预测的那样不久要破灭？这些的确是新
时代的新现象，我们不妨借这种难得的历史时期，来重新审视资本的
奥秘，以看清当今经济的根本特征。以往，我们更关注过去200年工业
革命对人类社会的影响，却忽视了发生于过去150年的金融革命。不认
识这场金融革命，就难以认清资本的奥秘，当然也就不能深入理解美
国经济的本质以及正在中国发生的经济与社会变革。

钱、资本和财富

我们先要回答一个问题：什么是钱、资本、财富？简单讲，“钱”主
要是一个货币的概念，流动性最好，可直接用于交换，并同时又是市
场交换的结果，是具有最普遍接受性的价值载体。钱既可以是纸币，
也可以为东西，比如金银、丝绸，只要大家都认就行。资本也是活的
价值，尽管其“活”性比钱低，但它是能够生产价值的价值。而财富既包
括流动性的价值，也包括不流动的价值，即死的有价物，一般的财富
并不一定能产生财富。从契约理论的角度讲，财富往往是物，是“东
西”，货币是把“东西”卖掉之后的价值载体，而资本更多的是“东
西”的“产权证”，是广义的货币，是与具体的“东西”相对应的产权。
最能区分这三者的“东西”要算土地。土地是财富，但它不一定是资
本，更不一定是钱。首先，土地必须能买卖交易，否则它既不是钱，
也不能转换成资本。如果土地不能被买卖，那么土地自身顶多是财
富，不是资本，也不能变成钱，更生不了多少钱。如果土地是私有
的，可以自由买卖，那么土地与钱之间只有一次交易相隔，土地就能
随时变成钱。当然，私有土地要想以出售之外的其他形式转换成资
本，还必须有可靠的产权保护制度和契约权益保护制度，这样，土地
即使不被卖掉，也可以被抵押转换成资本。这时，土地的产权证就最
重要，产权证的流动性使土地权成为资本，以资本的形式让土地所承
载的财富赚更多的钱。
另一个典型的例子是未来收入。比如，个人的未来收入是财富，
但是如果没有金融工具把未来收入做票据化、证券化变现，那也顶多
是可以感觉到但不能花的财富，也不是资本。通过将部分未来收入以
产权证（抵押）形式流动起来，未来收入流也能成为资本。
财富不一定能一下子变成钱，财富的范围比资本大，资本比钱的
范围大。问题是：什么决定财富、资本与钱之间的距离呢？一个国家
对“东西”、对未来收入流进行资本化的能力，也就是市场、契约与产权
制度，决定了这三者间的距离。从根本上讲，货币是将“财富”卖掉的所
得，资本是以产权契约、金融票据、证券契约等形式将“财富”资本化的
所得，是资产和未来收入流的“产权证”。只不过，通过这些“产权证”，
把本来就已存在但是“死”的“东西”和未来收入流变活了。在这个意义
上，只要金融票据、证券、货币是相对于实在的价值而发行的，金融
化在增加价值载体的流通性的同时，本身并不必然导致通货膨胀或经
济危机。

市场化改革让中国的钱多了

在2007年的一次交谈中，《纽约时报》驻上海的记者说，中国今
天似乎充满了互相矛盾的现象，让人难以理出头绪：一方面，许多钱
被浪费了，比如被形象工程烧掉，或通过国有银行持续向不断亏损的
企业输血；另一方面，在上海、浙江、江苏、北京等许多地方，你能
处处感受到那种日夜不息的创业干劲，谁都在谈生意、做投资赚钱。
而且，现在中国人的钱的确很多，买房有钱，投资有钱，到境外旅游
有钱，买奢侈品、买高档车有钱。这到底是怎么回事？中国这种增长
到底能持续多久？是什么让中国经济能持续增长这么多年？
这位朋友做记者许多年，在中国工作两年有余，碰到、看到、听
到的事当然很多，但中国的事让他对这个社会、对今天的世界一天比
一天更着迷：中国靠什么来激发活力？这些年中国的“钱”为什么这么
多？
中国这些年的经历可以从许多方面去理解，如果简单点讲，是由
于“改革开放”；如果从更深的层面，我们可以从“钱化”和“资本化”的角
度来理解中国这些年的经历。改革开放大致可分成两个阶段：第一阶
段是从1978年至20世纪90年代中期，其核心是给老百姓买卖东西的自
由，让他们有选择生产什么、到哪里卖、如何卖的自由，给劳动力市
场与创业市场自由，那是从计划到市场的“市场化”或说“钱化”阶段。第
二阶段从20世纪90年代中期开始，特别是1998年之后至现在，可以概
括为“资本化”时期，就是让企业资产（包括有形资产和未来收入流）、
土地和各类自然资源、劳动者未来收入流，都可通过产权化、证券化
或者金融票据化转变成流通的金融资本。一个国家可以卖的东西越
多，或者已经资本化或能够被资本化的资产和未来收入流越多，它
的“钱”自然就越多。
当然，市场化使中国“钱”多，这好理解。在计划经济时期，人们普
遍没钱。而之所以没钱，并非完全由于没有东西，而是由于那时的市
场化水平极低，几乎没有东西可以通过市场换成钱，也没有什么出口
贸易，经济被“钱”化得太少。所以，那时候张三可以有东西、有一双
手，也有许多时间，但他没有钱。“文革”时期，在农村，人们出外旅行
时，都得带上一袋大米、菜，以及被子、席子等，而不能带钱。也就
是说，那时候要东西有，但要钱没有。我们不妨想象一下，如果出外
旅行要靠自己带干粮、被褥，则旅行在外的时间不可能太久、走的距
离不能太远，能够跨地区运输的货物也必然有限。因此，“钱”化程度低
的社会自然是人口流动少、跨地区贸易有限的社会。
1978年后的市场化改革，使几乎所有的东西都可以在市场上交
易，各类农产品、制造品、劳动力、房产等都可交易，市场的交易自
由度在逐年上升。不管是国内贸易、出口贸易，还是简单的日常市场
交易，这些都需要货币支付。对“钱”的需求上升了，“钱”的供应必然要
上去。因此，在“东西”产出相同的情况下，市场化程度升高，货币相对
于GDP的比例必然会升高。与此同时，外贸出口在逐年猛增，这本身
就加快了中国资源和劳动力的变现规模和速度，必然使中国“钱”多。
不过，“钱”多的原因还不止这些。一方面，货币化的上升催化人口
流动、催化跨区域贸易。也就是说，如果市场很发达、“钱”的供应不稀
缺，张三出差之前可先把自己产的粮食、蔬菜、家禽等在本地市场卖
掉，换成钱，然后带着钱而不是东西出差，每到一家餐馆、酒店，用
现金支付即可。到今天，人们连现钞都不用带，信用卡更方便，远道
旅行就容易多了。因此，货币化发展对人口流动、异地贸易是一种根
本性的催化剂。许多人会说，虽然货币化带来方便，可是各地市场物
价差别很大，张三家乡的大米、蔬菜、肉食比外地更便宜，所以，权
衡之下，还是自带食物、被褥合算。这当然有道理，但这恰恰说明市
场化的重要性，如果市场化发展到位，如果跨地区的商业运作畅通无
阻，那么，到最后，各地的物价虽然会因为运输成本还有差别，但那
种价差会低于异地运输成本。在这种情况下，张三当然会选择先将东
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nevertheless, the fortitude and dignity which come to the really great
under misfortune are among the grandest sights in this universe. I
have said that Cortés might have ridden to Mexico over palm
branches, midst hosannas, had he but known it; but had he done so,
there would have been no greatness attending the act. The door of
peaceable exit from the city of Mexico had long been open to him;
but to have accepted Montezuma’s invitation hence would not have
raised Cortés in the estimation either of himself or of his soldiers.
After all the terrible disasters of the Noche Triste the Spaniards
were not wholly forsaken by fortune, though they called it the
irrepressible Santiago on his milk-white steed who caused the
Mexicans to neglect their opportunity of vigorously pursuing the
fugitives beyond the last channel, and in their helpless state to
exterminate them. Yet we cannot help asking why Santiago did not
come to their assistance sooner, and save them untold woe. The
Spaniards, however, were not captious in their criticisms of
benefactors, and so a small stone was erected on the Tacuba road in
honor of the mounted saint.[845] If we would have the real cause why
the Mexicans did not follow up the Spaniards, we may find it in their
greed for spoils, as Sahagun observes, which detained the warriors,
especially round the channels. A thorough search was soon
instituted by them; the canals were dragged, and quantities of arms,
baggage, and personal effects were secured, beside the gold and
jewels which had been taken by the Spaniards. Their own dead they
decently buried, while those of the Spaniards and their allies were
more summarily disposed of, and the whole road cleared of
obstructions and whatever might infect the atmosphere.[846]
According to Gomara the discovery of the bodies of
Montezuma’s son and heir and other princes created such sorrow
that pursuit was on this account suspended. It seems not
unreasonable that the natives should have charged their death
wounds to the Spaniards, who, rather than see men like King
Cacama free to create mischief, should have preferred to dispatch
them, offering, Medea-like, a bribe to reverence and love with a view
to retard the Colchian pursuers.[847] Although this accusation could
not be proven, their death was nevertheless to be avenged. At least
forty Spaniards and a number of allies had been captured during the
night, and at the obsequies, which were of the most imposing order,
they added solemnity to the occasion by yielding their hearts’ blood;
while those who, according to native tradition, turned back to hold
the fort for three days before they swelled the throng of victims, were
reserved for the coronation soon to follow.
The respite from close pursuit had enabled the fugitive army to
join, in detached groups, the nucleus already gathered under
Jamarillo in one of the squares of Tlacopan,[848] the capital of the
smallest tripartite state, half a league from Mexico. A sorry spectacle
was this remainder of the brilliant army which had so lately entered
Mexico as conquerors. A haggard, bleeding, ragged crowd, dreggy
with mire and smeared with gore, many without weapons, and
without a vestige of their baggage and war stores. When Cortés
arrived with the last remnant the sun was rising, and fearing the
danger of an attack in the narrow streets, such as had made the
sallies in Mexico so disastrous, he hastened to conduct his men into
the open field. The movement was made none too soon, for
immediately after the scouts gave warning of approaching hosts,
magnified to a hundred thousand or more, speedily the war shrieks
again broke on the ears of the startled troops. The Mexicans had
sent word to Tlacopan and the neighboring towns to intercept the
fugitives, and assistance coming with the dawn they joined in the
attack.[849]
A Tlascaltec chief had recommended a northward course, round
the lakes, as the least exposed to pursuit, and offered himself as
guide.[850] The march was accordingly directed north-westward
through some maizefields, with Cortés leading. The enemy were
upon them before the rear left the city, and several soldiers fell in the
onslaught. A short distance before them rose the hill of Totoltepec,
Bird Mountain,[851] surmounted by a temple with several strong
buildings,[852] and a small village. This appeared an eligible spot for
the rest which they so much needed. Crossing the Tepzolac Creek,
at its foot, Cortés ordered the advance guard, under Ordaz, to
capture it, while he faced the pursuers. Little resistance was offered
at the temple, but the general was hotly pressed, as the enemy
perceived that their prey was about to escape. At this juncture it was
said that the Vírgen de los Remedios appeared, and by casting dust
into the eyes of the foe enabled the Spaniards to effect their escape
with little loss into the temple. “By this time,” writes Cortés, “we had
not a horse that could run, or a horseman who could lift an arm, or a
foot-soldier who could move.”[853]
A few additional intrenchments were thrown up, and the
necessary guards posted to watch the baffled enemy, who
perceiving the strength of the place contented themselves with
flinging their missiles and filling the air with shouts. Feeling
comparatively secure, the troops abandoned themselves to rest
round blazing fires. The food found in the place, although insufficient
for the demands of the half-starved men, afforded some comfort,
which was increased by grateful sleep.[854]
Thus were refreshed the wounded and disheartened. And with
grateful hearts the remnant of the brave army returned thanks to
God for deliverance. Some, however, attributed their escape to the
presence among them of the image of the Vírgen de los Remedios,
which Rodriguez de Villafuerte is said to have afterward placed in
the great temple of Mexico. It had been brought here by the owner,
although some supposed it might have come over of its own accord,
as it is said to have miraculously done in later times when detained
in Mexico against its will.[855] Some years after the Noche Triste it
was found on this hill under a bush, by a converted cacique named
Juan de Tobar, who kept it for a long time, and then by divine
direction built a hermitage for it on the hill, where it had been found.
The many miracles reported of the shrine induced the City of Mexico
in 1574 to adopt it as a patron, and by the following year the simple
chapel was replaced by a fine temple worthy of the sanctity of the
image which has absorbed so large a share of holy pilgrimage.[856]
The review held on Remedios Hill revealed the full extent of the
blow suffered, “one which Spaniards alone could have endured,”
says Peter Martyr. At the beginning of the siege the army mustered
twelve hundred and fifty Spaniards and six thousand allies, with
arms and ammunition in abundance, and now little more than five
hundred soldiers and less than two thousand allies remained.[857]
The baggage, artillery and ammunition, intrusted to the trains of
carriers, had all been lost, and a great portion of the arms carried by
the men, so that only twelve battered cross-bows and seven firelocks
could be counted. What better commentary could we have on the
night’s disaster! The side arms were fortunately better preserved,
and there were twenty-four horses left, now the only formidable
element of the army.[858] Of the treasure none could tell what had
been saved, the holders keeping the fact secret. It was whispered,
however, that Cortés had taken good care of the portion
appropriated by him, Bernal Diaz, among others, insisting that with
the first party conducted by the general to Tlacopan went a number
of carriers with gold bars and jewels. Among these is said to have
been some of the royal treasure, but the officers declared that it had
all been lost, including the mare with the fifth proper, and the account
books and records. The loss of the papers, however unfortunate for
history, must have been rather convenient to Cortés, at least, who
had a fancy for adjusting facts and figures to suit his schemes.[859]
 Deeply stricken was Cortés, and bitterly did he repent of the
mistakes which had contributed to this sad result: of having left
Alvarado in charge to follow his rash bent; of having treated
Montezuma and his chiefs so inconsiderately on his arrival; and,
above all, the faulty arrangements for the flight by night.[860] His had
been the greatest conquest yet undertaken in the New World, and
his the greatest disaster. The men of Narvaez had suffered most,
partly, it is said, because they were most eager to burden
themselves with gold, but rather because they were inexperienced,
and assigned chiefly to the rear. It was the gaps in the ranks of his
veterans that touched Cortés most. Gone was the dear dandy
Francisco de Salcedo, whom slovenly comrades should no more
trouble! The cavalry, so sadly depleted, missed among its number
the dashing Láres[861] and the brave Morla. Neither could Botello be
injured by the curses freely given him for his false reading of the
stars.[862] The death which most deeply moved Cortés, however,
was that of the true-hearted and brave Velazquez, whose standing
and influence, as a relative of the Cuban governor and as a man of
high birth, had so greatly assisted the general in carrying out his
schemes. Cortés had in return conferred on him some of the most
important commissions, ever regarding him as among the truest of
his friends. With him had died his native wife, Elvira, the daughter of
the Tlascaltec lord Maxixcatzin, and nearly every prisoner.[863]
With so many losses to deplore, it proved a solace for Cortés to
find present his favorite captains, Sandoval, Alvarado, and Olid. His
interpreters were also here, and foremost the loving Marina, whose
life, together with that of Luisa, Xicotencatl’s daughter, was due to
the zealous care of the latter’s brothers. Martin Lopez, the ship-
builder, also survived, and the sight of him assisted to give the
thoughts of the general a hopeful bent, rousing in his enterprising
spirit projects for vengeance and recuperation. Remnants though
they were, his forces were still larger than those with which he had
overcome Narvaez, and which he had till then regarded as sufficient
for the conquest of the empire. The experience gained and a
knowledge of the country were in themselves an army; and, thank
fortune, he had some gold, and better still, allies. Tlascala was now
his hope. Everything, indeed, depended on the little republic, and
whether it would afford him shelter and aid. He knew that the loss of
so many of its warriors under his banner had brought wide-spread
affliction, which might turn to hatred toward him as the cause.
Thereupon he talked to the Tlascaltec chiefs who were yet alive, and
endeavored to stir in them the thirst for revenge, and excite their
desires for rich spoils and increased domain.[864]
Besiegers and besieged sat watching each other the whole day,
but the latter made no signs of stirring. Thinking that they would not
venture forth for some time, many of the former began to file off
homeward, leaving, nevertheless, a strong force round the hill.
Cortés feared that the morrow would bring them back with
reinforcements and make escape difficult. Trusting again therefore to
the darkness, now joined to the more advantageous circumstance of
an open field, he set forth, leaving the fires blazing to lull the
watchfulness of the foe. Eight captains were appointed for the
different sections to maintain the arranged order of march,[865]
Cortés with a portion of the cavalry taking the rear, as the post of
danger. The rest of the horsemen led the van, while the sound
infantry formed a cordon for the centre, wherein the wounded were
carried in hammocks, or hobbled along on hastily prepared crutches,
a few being taken up behind the horsemen. The rear had hardly left
the temple before the enemy were upon them with swords and
lances, many of the captured and recovered weapons of the
Spaniards being now used against themselves. But the attack was
not severe, partly because the pursuers had been reduced to
irregular bands from the mainland settlements, whose chief object
was plunder. At dawn the town of Calacoayan was sighted, and on
approaching it the mounted scouts came in a ravine upon an
ambuscade formed by its warriors. Believing them to be numerous
the horsemen galloped back, and joined by others returned to
charge. It is related that the leader halting for a moment to arrange
for the attack, a soldier became impatient, and hoisting an
improvised flag on his lance he called out, “Santiago! follow me who
dare!” The rest responded, and the enemy was routed with
slaughter.[866] The town was ransacked for food and fired as a
warning to the assailants. The march was resumed, and the plain of
Tizaapan reached, but owing to the fight at the town and the
constant skirmishing only three leagues were made that day. Toward
sunset they reached the hamlet of Teuculhuacan, and took
peaceable possession of the temple for the night.[867]

At noon on the 3d the march was resumed, with quickened steps

and with less interruption. Though persistent in harassing, the
pursuers fled whenever the cavalry charged, and took refuge on the
hill-slopes, flinging with their missiles jeers and insults. “Women!”
they cried; “cowards, who fight only when mounted! You are going
whence none of you shall escape!” The latter threat was frequently
heard, but its meaning failed as yet to be understood. There was a
worse enemy than the Mexicans, however, and that was hunger,
which made itself severely felt, “although Spaniards can endure its
pangs better than any other nation,” vaunts Gomara, “and this band
of Cortés’ better than all.” Eagerly they scanned the road side for
fruit or roots, and many ate grass, while the Tlascaltecs threw
themselves upon the ground and begged their gods to take pity upon
them.[868] One soldier opened a dead body and ate the liver, and
when Cortés heard of it he ordered the man hanged, but the
sentence was not executed. The route, at first craggy, passed
through the towns of Quauhtitlan and Tepotzotlan, along the lake of
Zumpango, to Citlaltepec, where camp was formed. The inhabitants
had fled, but food was there to eat, and even to carry on their
journey, and there they remained all the next day.[869]
On the morning of the 5th of July they skirted the lake and turned
westward to Tlascala, pursued by increasing forces;[870] owing to
which, or to the roughness of the road, or to the guide, less progress
was made than on the previous day, and camp was pitched at the
deserted hamlet of Xoloc. The following day they proceeded toward
the Azaquemecan Mountains, and halted at the town Zacamolco.
[871]Observing a mysterious movement among the Indians on the
slope, Cortés set out with five horsemen and a dozen foot-soldiers to
reconnoitre. After skirting the mountain he came in sight of a large
army,[872] with a portion of which he came to close quarters, the fleet
natives having gained on the foot-soldiers in making the turn of the
hill. In the mêlée Cortés was badly wounded in the head.[873] He
retreated to camp and had the wound bandaged, and the forces
were hurried away from the town, which appeared too exposed for
an attack. The Indians pursued them so closely that two men were
killed and a number wounded, beside four or five horses. One of the
animals died, and although the troops deplored its loss, the meat
proved acceptable, for roasted maize with a little fruit had been their
only food for several days.[874] Camp appears to have been formed
for the night in a hamlet among the hills, the enemy being left on the
opposite western slope of the range.
A serious encounter being apprehended the next day, additional
crutches and hammocks were prepared for those of the wounded
who had hitherto been carried on horseback, so as to leave the
cavalry free in its movements.[875] Before dawn on July 7th[876] the
march was resumed, in the hope of eluding the forces in the rear,
little suspecting that this was but a wing of the main body now
preparing to surround them. They had proceeded about a league,
and were on the point of entering the large plain of Otumba,[877]
when the scouts came galloping back with the information that the
whole field was filled with warriors in battle array. The hearts of the
Spaniards sank within them. They were hoping to escape an enemy
such as this.[878] Cortés ordered a halt, and with his captains talked
over the situation. Retreat was out of the question, and to turn aside
would be useless. “We must charge upon this host,” said Cortés; “we
must make our path through its very centre. Remember your dead
comrades; remember your God; comport yourselves like Christian
soldiers, and this idolatrous horde will melt before you like the
morning mist.” He thereupon issued the necessary instructions for
charging and resisting, and for protecting the disabled. The
horsemen were to ride with loose rein, lancing at the faces, so as to
break the enemy’s lines, and open a path for the infantry, who were
to follow and thrust their sidearms at the bowels of their assailants.
[879]

Commending themselves to the virgin, and invoking the aid of

Santiago, the troops advanced and entered the plain, skirted on the
east by the lower ranges of the Tlaloc, which inclosed in the distance
the town of Otumba. The sight was as grand as it was terrifying. In
every direction were seemingly endless columns, with flowing
plumage, brilliant shields of varied designs, and above and beyond
these a forest of glittering iztli points. “It was the finest army
Spaniards ever encountered in the Indies,” exclaims Bernal Diaz.
Their number was legion, and the richness of their attire signified the
presence of the strength and nobility of the empire. The original
estimate was doubled, and that was increased fourfold, until, like
Don Quixote’s sheep, two hundred thousand seemed small. Aware
of the route taken and the destination of the Spaniards, Cuitlahuatzin
had sent orders to the caciques of Otumba, Teotihuacan,
Calpulalpan, and adjoining region, to mass their forces here and
exterminate the intruders. This order came most opportune, for at
the time a fair was held at Otumba, which attracted a large
concourse, from which volunteers were readily obtained for so
laudable an object, represented not only as easy of achievement, but
as profitable from the spoils that were to follow. A strong force from
the lake region had come to form the nucleus of the army, the
command of which was assumed by Cihuacatzin, lord of
Teotihuacan.[880]
The sight of the sorry remnant of the Spanish army was greeted
by the native host with triumphant shouts, trumpet blasts, and the
clashing of weapons. Nothing should now prevent their escape; they
were doomed! Cautiously the Indians advanced to surround them;
for though the wounded and bedraggled band was small, it still
looked viperish. Like the French in Egypt the Mexicans might have
said that the centuries were looking down on them from the mystic
towers of Teotihuacan, consecrated to the sacred past. It was natural
enough for them to feel glad and proud; surely the invaders had
brought them misery enough to justify any return. But let them not
forget that there are still strong men, now nerved to desperation. And
just beyond the mountain fringe, toward which pointed their holy
banner of the cross, was a promised land, ‘the land of bread,’ and,
as they hoped, of trusty friends.
Cortés did not wait for them to advance too near before he made
a charge. With head and arm bandaged he led the cavalry, which in
parties of five rushed at the enemy, lancing straight at the face, and
opening a way for the infantry, which followed at a quick pace,
thrusting sword and pike as they had been directed.[881] This tactic
disconcerted the natives somewhat, and discarding their projectile
weapons the front ranks seized on lances, two-handed swords, and
heavy clubs, encouraging one another by shouting the names of
their towns and districts. After breaking the lines the horsemen
turned to open another path in the direction of the infantry, throwing
the Indians in a disorderly pressure one against the other, and
keeping them in a state of apprehension as to where the mounted
avalanche would next roll over them. Again the horsemen turned,
dashing close along the flanks of the troops, scattering the
intermediate assailants in confusion, and rendering them an easy
prey to the foot-soldiers. Swift as the wind the gallant Sandoval flew
past, crying to his comrades: “We win to-day, señores! We win to-
day, God helping us!” María de Estrada was likewise there, cheering
onward the men, and sharing danger with the foremost of the brave.
It would indeed seem to persons of less confidence than the
Spaniards that some supernatural power had been necessary on this
day to deliver them. Nor did the Tlascaltecs belie their fame as
warriors, for they fought like lions, as the soldier-chronicler declares,
the chief Calmecahua being particularly conspicuous for his bravery.
[882]

For a while the horsemen had it all their own way, chiefly, as
Cortés observes, because the enemy consisted of such disorganized
masses as to prevent one another either from fighting or fleeing; but
as they became more used to the Spanish tactics they offered firmer
resistance. The horse of the general being so severely struck in the
mouth as to become unmanageable, Cortés dismounted and turned
it loose to seek another. The injured animal, seemingly imbued with
its master’s spirit, dashed at the enemy in mad career, creating quite
a panic in its course. The cavalry took advantage of the confusion to
follow, partly with a view to secure the animal; after regaining the
main body they indulged in a brief rest. The heat no less than the
fighting had tired out both men and horses; but there was for them
little respite, for no sooner had the foes observed their inaction than
they closed in round them with renewed courage. “Thrust well and
deep,” came the order to the soldiers, “for they are all chiefs!” And so
they seemed, from their rich dress, their elaborate devices, and their
glittering ornaments. Cortés now mounted a horse whose
viciousness had hitherto consigned him to the baggage department,
[883]and again the cavalry formed, this time in more compact order.
But the enemy, ever relieved by fresh men, maintained the firmness
with which they had begun the charge, and both horsemen and foot-
soldiers found the pressure becoming greater and the fight hotter.
Thus the battle continued during the greater part of the forenoon,
[884] the natives evidently as fresh as ever, and the Spaniards visibly
failing. “We thought surely that this was to be our last day,” writes
Cortés, “in view of the great strength of the Indians and the little
resistance they could find in us, tired as we were, and nearly all
wounded, and faint with hunger.”
A feeling of suffocation and deathly despair comes over the
Spaniards as the dusky host fold them in closer and yet fiercer
embrace. Hot falls the blood-reeking breath upon their faces, as,
flushed with success and sure of their victims, the foe lay hold of the
Spaniards to drag them away to the sacrifice. Rare offerings to the
gods, indeed, are these magnificent men! And such they will surely
become if Mary, Santiago, or the ready genius of Cortés appears not
quickly to the rescue! But how shall there be rescue? What rescue is
there to the sinking ship alone in mid-ocean? Can this Cortés for the
release of his comrades baffle death like Hercules for the release of
Alcestis?
So it would seem. Behold yonder grand personage, borne aloft
in open litter, high over the others, with plumed head-dress, and
above it the gold-net standard, the tlahuizmatlaxopilli, set with
precious feathers, and secured to his back by a staff, according to
custom.[885] This is the generalissimo of all the native forces there
gathered, and around him are the flower of the army in feathered
armor of rich designs, guarding with zealous care the banner, and
encouraging the rest to renewed efforts and brave deeds. Cortés
sees him, and his purpose for weal or woe is fixed almost before his
comrades are aware of the chieftain’s approach; for he comes as
captain of the hounds to be in at the death of these Spanish foxes.
Cortés is well aware of the importance attached by natives to the
person of the general, and to the safe-keeping of the standard. In
these centre all the hope of their armies: success is theirs so long as
they remain; but once brought low, and the Indian regards all as lost.
Even at this juncture Cortés does not fail to observe the increased
firmness and spirit among the warriors as the banner approaches.
Here, then, is the one chance more, which is all the brave man asks.
With a quick motion to his mounted followers, pointing to the sacred
insignia, and as if he would throw the whole might of Spain into his
brief words, Cortés cries out: “Señores, let us break with them! In the
name of God and St Peter, señores, let us close with them!” Not a
man there but knew that the next moment would determine all, would
determine the fate of every Spaniard in New Spain.
Throwing themselves with the compact force of one of their own
cannon-balls against the heaving mass, they mow an instant path to
the charmed centre. The wave of disorder strikes the sacred guard,
while the unruly horse of Cortés, bearing him unresistingly onward,
overturns the litter of the generalissimo, and hurls the bearers to the
ground. “Victory!” shouts Cortés, when he recovers his breath; and
“victory! victory!” echo his people, while Juan de Salamanca plunges
his lance into the body of the prostrate chief, and seizing the sacred
banner, presents it to the general as his rightful trophy.[886]
The welcome cry of Cortés electrified the whole Spanish line,
while the warriors lately so triumphant stood stupefied with dismay.
With the disappearance of the palladium their courage had fallen,
while the Spanish soldiers, with the confidence and strength of joy,
rushed from wing to wing upon them. The warriors wavered; then,
with one more searching glance in the direction of the guiding
emblem, they became convinced that their leader had indeed fallen.
Consternation followed; the panic from the centre overtook the more
distant, and valiantly as they had fought before, as cravenly did they
now flee.[887]
Forgetful of wounds and hunger, and regardless of the imminent
danger attending such a course, the Spaniards pursued the foolish
fugitives, thrusting and slashing at them until they had killed twenty
thousand—a round figure, truly, and one which accords well with the
estimates of the entire force. But after all, what the natives had
hitherto suffered must have been little compared with the present
slaughter, for their dead lay very thick along the line of retreat. Hardly
one among the Spaniards had come off scathless, while few of the
poor Tlascaltecs were left to share in the rich spoils.[888]
After recalling the troops from their bloody pursuit, the first care
of Cortés was to see that the wounded soldiers had rest and
refreshment. Then a solemn thanksgiving service was held, and right
earnestly did they all join in its offering. Cortés ascribed the victory to
St Peter, as with his name on his lips he had made the miraculous
charge. But Santiago was the soldiers’ favorite, as they declared he
was present and fought with them; and near the village of
Tenexcalco a chapel was afterward erected to commemorate his
appearance.[889]
Obviously this battle was the most important so far in the New
World; and it must ever be regarded as one of the most remarkable
in history. The natives were probably much less numerous than the
estimates of the boastful victors; still they were immensely superior
in number and condition to the Spaniards, enfeebled by recent
defeat, by wounds, and want. Further, the latter had no fire-arms
wherewith to terrify the natives, only swords and pikes. Their main
advantage lay in their horses, their discipline, and the genius of their
leader;[890] all strengthened by the enthusiasm born of a national
pride, and a certain knowledge that failure meant utter destruction.
Fatigued as all were, and weakened from battle, Cortés resolved
nevertheless to push on toward Tlascala the same day, fearing that
the enemy might be shamed into a rally, or receive such
reinforcements to their already immense numbers as to encourage
them to return. In this he was not mistaken, for Cuitlahuatzin had
ordered Tezcuco, Chalco, and neighboring districts to send larger
forces, and so insure an assumed victory for the Otumban army. The
reinforcements appear to have been already in motion when news
came of the defeat, accompanied by the rumor that a Tlascaltec
army was on the way to aid the Spaniards. The hasty march
eastward of the fugitives offered in itself sufficient encouragement for
straggling marauders from the surrounding villages to follow in their
wake and harass them with occasional missiles.[891]

By night the town of Temalacayocan[892] was reached, and here

the army obtained some food and camped in and around the temple.
Badly wounded as he was, Cortés took charge of the watch, for
sleep had no power over his mind at that moment. Before him rose
invitingly the ranges of the Tlascaltec border, where he hoped to find
a haven. It was only hope, however; for Cortés came not as before,
heralded as the invincible conqueror, to whose bravery and deeds
the warlike republic was delighted to offer homage; nor with the
vision of the mighty Montezuma bending before him; nor with the
prospect of entering to assume control of a great empire. All this was
changed. He had lost his former prestige, and could present himself
only as a fugitive to seek protection for a remnant of his army. And
this at the hands of those who might yet smart under the stigma of
defeat by a handful, and who might now find it prudent and
convenient to accept the friendship and wealth of the victorious
Aztecs. What if the people of Tlascala should reject him? “We were
not very confident in finding the natives of the said province faithful
and friends of ours,” writes Cortés; “for we feared that they, on
seeing us so dismembered, might seek our lives, in order to recover
the liberty which they formerly enjoyed. This thought and fear kept us
in as great an affliction as when we marched along harassed by
those of Culúa.”[893] Nevertheless he sought to cheer his men with
hopes for the best, and to remind them how necessary it was, now
above all, to guard their conduct so as to give rise to no jealousies or
unpleasantness, since even a petty quarrel might raise a whirlwind to
overwhelm them. Should God, however, not permit them to rest in
Tlascala, they must recall their many glorious victories over greater
forces than could henceforth be brought against them, and be
prepared with stout hearts and vigorous arms to meet the issue.
The march was resumed in the morning with the usual
precautions, although the pursuers fell off as the border was
approached. Soon the Spaniards reached a fountain on the slope of
a hill, close to an ancient fortress, which marked the boundary of the
republic.[894] Resting there for a while, they drank of the water and
were refreshed. Then they passed on to Hueyotlipan, a town of three
or four thousand families, about four leagues from the capital.[895]
Here food was obtained in sufficient abundance, yet not without the
stimulus of presents. The women, however, were most sympathetic
in their offers to tend the wounded, although only too many were
deep in mourning and clamoring for vengeance for brothers, sons, or
husbands, who had fallen during the retreat. The captains did their
best to console them with the prospect of speedy victories, with bitter
retaliation on the hated Aztecs. Whatever doubt yet remained of
Tlascaltec disposition was dispelled in the afternoon by the arrival of
the lords, including the ruler of Huexotzinco, with a large suite,
bearing provisions and other presents, and cheering the hearts of
the discomfited with the most cordial greeting. They still showed
admiration for the white heroes, and extended a sympathy for their
sufferings which displayed itself even to tears. This feeling was
particularly strong in Maxixcatzin, the most powerful of the four
chiefs, who gently upbraided Cortés and his captains for not having
listened to his warnings. Remonstrances were now out of place,
however, and he and his could only bid them welcome, and tender
their estates and services. They were to regard themselves as in
their own house. Their escape from the plots and overwhelming
forces of the Mexicans had raised them and their prowess in the
estimation of the Tlascaltecs, and they were prepared, as friends
and as vassals of the Spanish king, to shed their last drop of blood in
the task of avenging the common injury suffered at the hands of their
ancient enemies. How inexpressibly dear is the prospect of revenge!
The hatred of the Tlascaltecs for the Mexicans was too deep to be
smothered by one reverse, and the desire to avenge their fallen
brethren intensified it. When the news came of the hostile gathering
at Otumba they had endeavored to procure reinforcements for their
allies, but had not been able to collect a sufficient number in time.
[896]

Cortés was deeply moved by the kind expressions and offers

accorded him, and sought in every way to strengthen this so vital
friendship. He exhibited profound grief over the death of so many
Tlascaltec allies, and sympathized in particular with Maxixcatzin over
the loss of his daughter Elvira, who had fallen with her husband
Velazquez. He also distributed presents, chiefly such as had been
obtained from the Otumba battle-field, and induced his men to follow
the example. Maxixcatzin’s heart was completely won by the gift of
the banner taken from the Mexican generalissimo,[897] and other
chiefs were gladdened with different trophies. The troops remained
at Hueyotlipan for three days,[898] in order to recruit somewhat, and
then, assisted by a number of carriers, they passed on to the capital.
Here the whole population came forth, headed by the lords, to
welcome them, with music, and flowers, and acclamations.[899]
Cortés was taken in charge by Maxixcatzin and lodged in his palace;
Alvarado became the guest of old Xicotencatl, and the others
received every attention. The reception concluded with a series of
festivities.[900]

FOOTNOTES
[845] ‘Esto despues lo declararon los mismos Indios.’ Vetancvrt, Teatro Mex., pt.
iii. 143. Nor do they omit the ever recurring story of the virgin image casting dust
into the eyes of the pursuers.

[846] The Tlascaltec and Cempoalan bodies were thrown among the reeds, and
the Spanish into deeper water. Sahagun, Hist. Conq. (ed. 1840), 126-7.

[847] Duran and Ixtlilxochitl make the murders take place in the Spanish quarters,
as we have seen. Sahagun permits two of Montezuma’s sons to fall between the
last channel and Popotla, while guiding the fugitives. Hist. Conq., 33 (ed. 1840),
122. Gomara assumes also that the pursuers may have been content with the
injury inflicted, or cared not to renew the fight on more open ground. Hist. Mex.,
161. Solis attributes the respite wholly to the discovery of the bodies. Hist. Mex., ii.
185-6.

[848] ‘Llegado á la dicha ciudad de Tacuba, hallé toda la gente remolinada en una
plaza, que no sabían dónde ir.’ Cortés, Cartas, 136. ‘Hasta cerca de Tlacupan
hasta un lugar que se llama Tilihucan.’ Sahagun, Hist. Conq., 33. ‘Tacuba ... is at
the present day chiefly noted for the large and noble church which was erected
there by Cortez.’ Latrobe’s Rambler, 128.

[849] Gomara assumes that the Tlacopan people were not aware of the broken
condition of the troops. Now they joined the 40,000 Mexicans who had set forth
prepared for pursuit. Hist. Mex., 161. ‘Yà auian venido de Mexico.... dar mandado
a Tacuba, y a Escapuçalco, y a Tenayuca, para que nos saliessen al encuentro.’
Bernal Diaz, Hist. Verdad., 106. The Mexicans were disgusted with those of
Tlacopan for their neglect. Herrera, dec. ii. lib. x. cap. xii.

[850] ‘Un Angel de Guarda, ó San Pedro, como otros quieren, ó Santiago Apostol,’
observes the enthusiastic Lorenzana. Cortés, Hist. N. España, 145.

[851] ‘Totolpec.’ Ixtlilxochitl, Hist. Chich., 302; Toltotepec is Vetancurt’s misspelling.

‘Cerro llamado de Muteczuma.’ Lorenzana, ubi sup.

[852] ‘Una torre y aposento fuerte.’ Cortés, Cartas, 136. ‘Vnas caserias q̄ en vn
cerro estauan, y alli jũto a vn Cu, e adoratorio, y como fortaleza.’ Bernal Diaz,
Hist. Verdad., 107. ‘A este templo llamaron de la Vitoria, y despues nuestra
Señora de los remedios.’ Herrera, dec. ii. lib. x. cap. xii. Sahagun calls the rise
Acueco, and places upon it the Otomí village of Otoncapulco. Hist. Conq. (ed.
1840), 122. Vetancurt follows, Teatro Mex., pt. iii. 143, while Camargo calls it
Tzacuyocan. The variations in Sahagun’s editions lead Torquemada to say that
the Spaniards moved the same day from Otoncalpulco pueblo to Acueco, an
Otomí village, i. 504-5. This, Brasseur de Bourbourg follows. The Spaniards may
have passed through it on departing, but would hardly move from a stronghold to a
probably open village while surrounded by enemies. If food was the object, the
able-bodied soldiers would have made a sally for it. It appears that the army
camped for the night on the hill now occupied by the Remedios shrine, and in the
fortress-like temple, to which a small village was attached. Alzate, however, who
took pains to inquire into the subject, found that the natives applied the name
Otoncapulco, not to the Remedios hill, but to the mountain, three fourths of a
league off. On this mountain he found the ruins of a strong building, and none on
the hill, whence he assumes that the camp was not made on the site of the shrine,
but on the mountain. Gacetas de Lit., ii. 457-9. Bustamante accepts this view, but
Archbishop Lorenzana, whose testimony in the matter must be reliable, says: ‘Se
conservan aun algunos vestigios de la antigua Fortaleza, y esta se ha convertido
dichosamente en el célebre Santuario de N. Sra. de los Remedios.’ Cortés, Hist.
N. España, p. xiii. He also intimates that the Otoncapulco name is misapplied.
Hence it may be assumed that the common application of Otoncapulco to this hill
is due to a misinterpretation of Sahagun’s versions, which have been greatly
tampered with, for that matter, and that the ruins mentioned by Lorenzana had
disappeared by the time Alzate examined the place.
[853] Cartas, 136; Cabrera, Escudo Armas, 110. ‘Aqui se señalò mucho Gonçalo
Dominguez, hombre diestro y valiente.’ Herrera, dec. ii. lib. x. cap. xii. Prescott
makes several blunders and omissions in connection with this day.

[854] A few stragglers managed to reach the camp, and among them one
Sopuerta, who had escaped death by feigning it. Herrera, ubi sup. Sahagun states
that Otomís from Teucalhuican, and from the immediate neighborhood, no doubt,
brought food, and invited the Spaniards to the former town, a few leagues from
there. Hist. Conq., 33. Torquemada follows him, but the story is probably an
exaggeration.

[855] It has been shown previously, by testimony not accessible till later years, that
the image placed in the great temple was a picture on a tablet, while that of
Remedios is a doll. But, of course, the image that could move through the air
could also transform its shape. Bernal Diaz assumes, as we have seen, that
Montezuma had ordered the image to be cared for; yet many believe that
Rodriguez secured it before or after the massacre, while the more pious prefer to
suppose that he could not find it, for want of time, perhaps, and that it moved
miraculously to the camp. Acosta, Hist. Ind., 524; Ixtlilxochitl, Hist. Chich., 302.
After the departure of the troops the image hid itself on the spot, or Rodriguez,
tired of the burden which had saved his life, ungratefully left it there. It is also
supposed to have been carried to Tlascala ere it reappeared on its later site.
Cabrera, Escudo Armas, 106 et seq.; Alaman, Disert., i. 122. Lorenzana accepts it
as the image from Mexico’s temple. Cortés, Hist. N. España, 138.

[856] It has frequently been brought to Mexico, and is still brought to avert
epidemics and other ills, to bring rain or other blessings. When detained it would
travel back of its own accord to the shrine, a proof of which was afforded by the
travel stains on the dress. One rainy night it arrived covered with mud. Latrobe’s
Rambler, 133. Thompson describes it as ‘a little alabaster doll, with the nose
broken, and the eye out ... about eight inches high.’ Her wardrobe and jewels are
valued at over $1,000,000. Recollections, 103-9. He gives an account of the
veneration for the image and its miraculous power. The history of its origin and
worship is to be found in a multitude of books, among which may be mentioned,
Medina, Chrón. S. Diego Mex., 30 et seq.; Cabrera, Escudo Armas, 106 et seq.;
Bustamante, Mem. Piedad Mex., 1-52.

[857] Cortés prudently limits, and we must add untruthfully, the loss to 150 soldiers
and some 2000 allies. It is with a view to this estimate that he reduced the force
brought into Mexico to 570 men, to which must be added the 140 composing the
garrison. Deducting the 150 lost, 560 remain, and since he would hardly
overestimate the number, for obvious reasons, this figure is probably near the
truth. Bernal Diaz musters 1300 at Tlascala, and has 80 at Mexico. Deducting