Taoism’s contribution to Chinese culture is equally important as Confucianism, but the difference is that one is expressed and the other is hidden in political thought. The depth and dialectical nature of Taoism's theoretical capabilities provide a source of creativity for all other traditions in Chinese philosophical thought.
Laozi (about 600 BC - 500 BC) was a thinker in the Spring and Autumn Period and the founder of Taoism. One theory is that Lao Dan, whose surname was Li Ming'er and whose courtesy name was Boyang, was from Qurenli, Li Township, Ku County, Chu State (now east of Luyi, Henan Province). He served as the "History Keeper" (historian who managed the collection of books) of the Zhou Dynasty. Confucius once asked him for courtesy, retreated into seclusion, and wrote "Laozi".
When it comes to Laozi, he means Taishi Dan, or Lao Laizi. There has always been controversy over whether the book "Laozi" was written by Laozi.
Taoism’s contribution to Chinese culture is equally important as Confucianism, but the difference is that one is expressed and the other is hidden in political thought. The depth and dialectical nature of Taoism's theoretical capabilities provide a source of creativity for all other traditions in Chinese philosophical thought. The following ten sentences are the essence of Laozi.
When everything is done successfully, the people all think that it is natural for me
Lao Tzu said: When the work is done, everything is done well, and the people think so. That's the way I am naturally. In other words, it is human nature to not feel forced by others in the process of completing your homework.
People have the nature to seek advantages and avoid disadvantages; have the nature to be influenced by habits; have the nature to rely on popular cultural customs for survival; have the ability to innovate and change their habits and customs in a timely manner to adapt the nature of the external environment.
If people follow these instincts to complete their achievements, people will feel that it is the way it is, and it is smooth, without any feeling of being far-fetched or forced, or dissatisfaction. Completing your homework will come naturally. This is the basis for humanized management to achieve twice the result with half the effort.
The way of a saint is to work without fighting. A husband does not fight, so no one in the world can fight with him.
Laozi said: The principle of a leader is to act without fighting. Precisely because we don’t compete for it, no one in the world can compete with it. As Lao Tzu said: "The best is like water. Water is good for all things and does not fight for it. It is what everyone hates, so it is closer to the Tao."
"The way of heaven is beneficial but not harmful; the way of the sage is to do it without fighting." "The masters of the shopping mall will not fight for it. The reason why a person who does not fight wins is precisely because his actions are in line with human nature, benefit others without harming others, and are good at getting help from others, so he can win without fighting.
Knowing to stop can avoid danger. The husband is not full, so he can cover up and become new.
Laozi said: If you know how to terminate at the right time, you will not fall into a dangerous situation. Because it has not reached the level of fullness, it can be reborn from the ashes when things tend to become worn out.
Laozi believes that "when things grow strong, they grow old, which means they are immoral, and they have already been immoral." When things develop and grow and reach fullness, they will inevitably gradually move towards aging and death, which means that they will gradually no longer be close to If you are not close to the Tao, you will die prematurely. Therefore, leaders should not pursue growth excessively, causing things to become full and die prematurely.
Instead, we should pay attention to controlling development to a certain extent and keeping it from reaching premature saturation, so that we can calmly innovate, so that things can be reborn from the ashes before they are worn out and die, and be reborn and in a sufficient state. A new state of development space so that it can continue to develop.
He who knows others is wise, and he who knows himself is wise. He who conquers others is powerful, and he who conquers himself is strong
Laozi said: He who knows others is wise, and he who knows himself is considered wise. He who is able to conquer others is called powerful, and he who is able to conquer himself is called powerful.
Therefore, Lu Shi's Spring and Autumn Annals of Xianji said: "Therefore, those who conquer others must first conquer themselves, and those who wish to understand others must first understand themselves." The chapter on self-knowledge says: "If your survival and safety are at stake, don't look to outsiders, but rely on self-knowledge. ...The greatest failure is greater than not knowing yourself." If a manager lacks self-knowledge and the ability to win, it will be difficult for him to know what people are doing and to carry out effective tasks. management.
*** Once said: "Among my neighbors, I only admire Zeng Wenzheng." Chiang Kai-shek also regarded Zeng Guofan as his role model in life and imitated him everywhere. Zeng's unique learning is the inheritance and development of traditional Chinese fine culture, and is the condensation of his great wisdom in cultivating one's family, governing the country, and bringing peace to the world.
Zeng Guofan said in his life that "if you use generals, you will win, but if you use generals, you will lose." Zeng Zhi used the words "respect" and "sincerity" to recruit talents in his military use. Once entrusted with full power, he used his generals properly and made great achievements many times. When he won, he was proud of himself and tried his own skills. He was defeated repeatedly in battles, and even attempted suicide several times.
It was these hardships and experiences that made him gradually understand that one who knows others is wise, and one who knows oneself is wise. The philosophy of "those who conquer others are powerful, and those who conquer themselves are strong" can reach the state of life where "the sky illuminates the sea with countless flowers, and the mountains and rivers are self-aware". Being able to conquer oneself has a strong personality.
Do nothing and do everything.
Lao Tzu said: If you do not violate the rules and act recklessly, there is nothing that cannot be done well. Lao Tzu also said: "To conquer the world, it is often to have nothing to do, and even if there is something to do, it is not enough to conquer the world."
That is to say, when managers govern enterprises, they must not violate the rules and cause trouble. If managers often act boldly and recklessly, If they continue to cause trouble to demonstrate their power, it will be difficult for the company to govern. Lao Tzu concluded, "If you do nothing, everything will be cured." Managers' behavior should comply with the laws of nature and not act arbitrarily. They must be realistic and seek a realistic and feasible path, so that they can "cure everything."
Lao Tzu also emphasized: "The superiors hear the Tao and practice it diligently." Once you have grasped the rules, use them to guide practice rather than empty talk.
Laozi believes that "man follows the earth, the earth follows the sky, heaven follows the Tao, and the Tao follows nature." The ultimate requirement of "inaction" is to follow the laws of nature, which is the so-called "let nature take its course." "Taking advantage of the situation".