Chinese philosophy

  • Mencius – Chapter 9.8 Advancing by Rites and Lodging with the Upright: Confucius’ Political Integrity

    Mencius dismisses slander that Confucius lodged with influential eunuchs for office. He argues Confucius followed rites to serve and upheld righteousness to resign, choosing virtuous hosts even in peril to preserve uncompromised moral integrity.

  • Confucius’ long wandering: A life on the road

    This article reviews Confucius’ whole life milestones. At 55, he left Lu for a 14-year wandering across states to promote ritual governance, enduring hunger and threats. He laughed off being called a stray dog, embodying perseverance before returning to Lu to focus on teaching and classics editing.

  • Why Was Confucius Called a “Stray Dog”?

    This article tells the story of 60-year-old Confucius dubbed a stray dog after getting separated from disciples in Zheng. He laughed and agreed with the description, which mirrors his wandering, unrecognized plight. It analyzes his open-mindedness and persistent pursuit of the Kingly Way amid chaotic times.

  • Chinese Character 家 (jiā)

    The Basics The Visual Structure This character is made of two clear parts: Put them together: a pig under a roof.At first glance, that might seem odd – why would a pig define “home”? But think like an ancient farmer: in early agricultural societies, pigs were the most valuable domestic animals. They provided meat,…

  • The Grand Strategy of Shaping Momentum: Sun Tzu’s Wisdom in the Battle of Changping

    This article interprets Sun Tzu’s idea of building favorable strategic momentum via the Battle of Changping. Qin secured victory through diplomacy, logistics and psychological tricks before Bai Qi’s final strike, proving momentum shapes decisive wins.

  • The Independent Spirit of the Strategist: Sun Tzu’s Wisdom on Choosing a Master

    This article interprets Sun Tzu’s view on strategists choosing lords. It highlights their independent spirit to pick wise rulers or leave incompetent ones, citing ancient figures. It also reflects the scholar-strategists’ philosophy of mutual selection in the Spring and Autumn Period.

  • Art of War Chapter – 5.2

    In battles, use direct troops to engage foes and surprise forces to win victories. Direct and surprise tactics transform endlessly, just like musical notes, colors and flavors, creating boundless and unpredictable combat strategies.

  • Hundred Schools of Thought Contending

    A flourishing intellectual era during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods (circa 770–221 BCE), characterized by diverse philosophical schools writing treatises, debating one another, and vigorously promoting their doctrines. The term “hundred” is used figuratively to denote a great multitude.

  • Lie Yukou

    Lie Yukou was a representative figure of Daoism in the early Warring States period. He is also known as Yu Kou, Yu Kou, or Liezi. Traditionally believed to be from the state of Zheng (in present-day Zhengzhou, Henan) during the Warring States era, he advocated the principles of emptiness, stillness, and non-action (wu wei),…