Square and Round Complete Collection

Author: Song Xiaowei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features:
Square represents firmness, round represents flexibility. Square is principle, round is adaptability. Square is to remain unchanged in the face of change, round is to adapt to change with flexibility. There is round beyond square, and square within round. One can be both square and round, or both. The unity of square and round leads to victory in all endeavors. Square is the foundation of being a person, the backbone of human character. Round is the path to success, the treasure of social navigation. Without squareness in character, one becomes weak and easily bullied. Without flexibility in actions, one faces constant opposition. Being too square or too round leads to stagnation. Only by combining squareness and roundness, using both, can one navigate social life with ease, build good relationships and a favorable environment, enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life, and achieve success and great accomplishments. In a stable era, be square; in a chaotic era, be round; in times of uncertainty, use both squareness and roundness. Treat the good with leniency, the evil with severity, and the mediocre with a balance of both leniency and severity. — Hong Zi Cheng, The Root of Vegetables
Gentle as the spring breeze, stern as autumn frost; like a coin, round outside, square inside. — Huang Yanpei, a renowned modern Chinese educator and social activist
When dealing with people, do not follow your own whims, but understand their feelings. When handling matters, do not rely on your own opinions, but grasp the principles of the matter. — Lu Kun, a famous Ming Dynasty thinker and statesman
Be harmonious within, righteous without, self-disciplined in self-cultivation, and sincere in social interactions — this is the ultimate way of conduct. — Lin Bu, a famous Northern Song Dynasty poet
If a person is overly square and rigid, not method in their actions, they will suffer setbacks and find themselves unable to move forward. If a person is overly smooth and manipulative, always seeking personal gain, they will alienate others and become isolated. The art of life lies in being both square and round, unifying them, so that one can navigate social life with ease, move effortlessly, seize the initiative in life, and win a broad space for survival.
This book explores the principles of squareness and roundness in social life from perspectives such as interpersonal relationships, life attitudes, human interactions, and workplace dynamics. By combining a wealth of classic examples from ancient and modern China and beyond, it comprehensively and profoundly explains the ways of being and doing in society, helping readers understand and master the methods and secrets of conduct, build good relationships, create a harmonious environment for interaction and survival, and ultimately enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life, achieving success and great accomplishments.