The Old Wisdom of the Chinese People – Laozi on Life

Author: Wen Zhang
Publisher:
Publishing Date: Not available
Features:
Don't listen to the words of the ancients, or you'll suffer losses in front of your eyes;
Don't learn from old experiences, or you'll struggle to succeed in life.
The old wisdom of the Chinese—great knowledge passed down through millennia,
the golden rules guiding life, and the operational guide for success.
He who walks does not change his name: Jin Zhang is his name;
He who sits does not alter his nature, remaining a man to the end;
He who stands has a place of origin: Cangzhou, Hebei.
Unable to resist the temptation, here are his credentials:
Deputy Editor-in-Chief of a certain newspaper;
Member of the Chinese Writers' Association;
Council Member of the Provincial I Ching Research Association;
Vice President of the Provincial Military Strategy Business Management Research Association.
Wen Zhang is a small servant, specializing in writing.
Since leaving the boss of Cangjie, he has churned out several million words,
which he then sells to newspapers or publishing houses.
He puts in the effort, while I reap the benefits.
As an equal exchange, books like Eternal Constellations (short story collection), Chronicles of the Dangerous Building (drama), and The Spiritual Archive of Han Yu (biography), along with this one, all bear Wen Zhang's name.
What else can he say?
This book, with over 200,000 words, meticulously analyzes the profound and distant Tao Te Ching,
using analogies and vivid examples to explain it in an accessible way.
Even an old woman or a child can recite it easily.
His writing style, like a mountain pointing stones or a sea setting waves,
shifts between restraint and exuberance, between solemnity and humor.
It makes readers ponder upon closing the book, awaken with clarity,
understand with sudden insight, and laugh with joy.
Wen Zhang's hidden talents finally shine through.
His witty and engaging words flow effortlessly from his pen.
The "fun" in this book is not just for amusement.
The real intent lies in solving problems.
It greatly benefits the world and its people.
To say that "Laozi opened a pharmacy" is quite fitting.
This reminds me of a passage in Notes from a Hidden Studio by Cao Xueqin, where a guardian deity says something very similar:
"Confucianism and Taoism are like medicine.
They address the issues of life and death, gain and loss,
and the emotions of joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness.
They explain grievances and dispel frustrations,
more effective than Confucianism."
Dear readers, if you have endured the bitterness of human interactions
and find it hard to let go of your grievances,
you might as well pick up this book, find your place,
and take the right medicine.
Even if you can't break free from the constraints to enjoy a carefree life,
you can at least scratch the right spot,
open your heart, and cleanse your soul.