The Way of Conduct for Famous Figures Throughout History: Nine Methods to Guard Against Others

Author: Dong Li Zi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features:
People with a narrow mind and a tendency to hold grudges: Petty, jealous, hold onto minor grievances, and will seek revenge for even the slightest offense.
People who play both sides and scheme behind the scenes: Easily make promises and break them at will; you never know which of their words are true.
People who lack credibility and don't keep their word: Easily make promises and break them at will; you never know which of their words are true.
People with loose lips who spread rumors: Jump to conclusions, even fabricate stories, specialize in gossip behind people's backs, and delight in stirring up trouble.
People who nitpick and are overly critical: Create problems out of nothing, find fault in everything, and take pride in it.
People who boast and deceive: Such individuals are rare in having real talent, but their fake and twisted skills are formidable. You can despise them but cannot ignore them.
People who only know how to take without giving thanks: Even if you open your heart to them, they won't say a single good word. The slightest success, and they will leave you in the dust.
People who are cunning and always calculating: Overthink everything, repeatedly weigh the pros and cons, skillfully use tricks without revealing them.
People who only think of themselves and will go to any means to achieve their goals: Their common trait is being ruthless, unprincipled, and disregarding family ties. They will do anything as long as they achieve their objectives.
Although bad people are not the mainstream of society, they are everywhere, making it impossible to guard against them at all times. A person who stands in society, if they always strive to be the best, may be too rigid and easily broken. If they only resort to extreme caution, they may isolate themselves from the world. The key is to develop "invulnerable" self-defense skills based on the nine types of people's characteristics. This self-defense skill, in the complex social life, is not for harming others but for self-protection.
In fact, if you treat others with sincerity, build relationships based on trust, and help others with kindness, you can live a dignified life. We must not only live safely but also pursue a life of freedom and happiness. As long as you stay true to yourself, resist temptation, and are not swayed by power, keep a bright lantern of virtue and evil in your heart. I do not set defenses, yet my defenses remain.