Philosophy and Wisdom

Author: Wu Guangyuan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: This book, Philosophy and Wisdom, is a collaborative effort that builds upon the refinement of Wu Guangyuan's earlier work, Listening to Masters Talk Philosophy—Why Do We Live?, and has been further enriched with substantial additions by Zhang Wenliang, Song Xuezì, and Li Yuanhang from Renmin University. These contributions have made the book more accessible in form and more comprehensive in content, making it a fine-quality book with collectible value.
As we all know the fable of the "frog in the well," the frog believes the world is no bigger than its well and thus mocks those outside it. In reality, while we laugh at the frog, we are no different—we also assume the world is no larger than the "red dust" (the mortal realm), chasing fame and fortune, engaging in petty rivalries within it. Unaware, for an infinite and true world, the "red dust" is merely a well. We often fail to escape this "well." These "clever frogs" within it, "chaos reigns as one performs, and another takes the stage," exhausting all means to attain status, power, and fame, only to find that "overly clever calculations lead to misfortune." They remain oblivious that these illusory names and positions are merely ropes others use to control them, binding their lives.
Turning back to the question of why we once misunderstood philosophy: it is because we are all "clever frogs," concerned only with mastering practical "small arts" in the "red dust well" to improve our lives. Yet philosophy belongs to the realm of "great arts" and does not teach any practical skills. Instead, it guides us to comprehend and pursue the "great path" beyond the red dust. Thus, the "frogs" mock it, calling it empty, obscure, and vain. In truth, emptiness, obscurity, and vanity are the very hallmarks of great wisdom. Great wisdom can help us empty, obscure, and negate the burdens of life, allowing us to rise lightly and transcend the red dust, merging with the Dao. Regrettably, the "clever frogs" believe themselves wise yet fail to see this great wisdom of philosophy.
When you grasp this, philosophy will no longer seem profound—or, indeed, shallow. May the wisdom of philosophy help you leap beyond the "red dust well."