Counter-Strategy: Living and Utilizing the Ancient Wisdom - The First Leadership Strategy in History

Author: Zhao Rui of the Tang Dynasty
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-12-01
Features: The Inverse Classics is a work on strategic arts by Zhao Rui of the Tang Dynasty. It has been widely studied by emperors, ministers, and generals throughout history and is regarded as a smaller Mirror for Governance. While The Mirror for Governance discusses statecraft in terms of the rise and fall of nations, The Inverse Classics focuses on the gains and losses of strategies between rulers and ministers. Historical records provide little complete information about the author Zhao Rui. From scattered historical materials, we know that Zhao Rui, styled Tai and Yunqing, was from Yanting in Zizhou (now Sichuan). Described as "brave and righteous," he was skilled in strategic arts and active during the prosperous Tang Dynasty. His fame was as great as that of the great poet Li Bai, and together they became renowned during the Kaiyuan era. However, unlike Li Bai, who indulged in poetry, wine, and pleasure, Zhao Rui did not pursue official career or fame. It is said that "Emperor Minghuang repeatedly summoned him but he refused to serve," and he lived in seclusion in the mountains his entire life. The Inverse Classics is a historical philosophy that blends Confucian, Taoist, Legalist, military, (miscellaneous), and Yin-Yang schools of thought, explaining the strategies of rulers and hegemons, as well as the techniques of short-term and long-term planning. Its overall structure follows a framework where history serves as the warp and strategy as the weft, interwoven in a coherent and orderly manner. The book covers the history from Yao and Shun to the Sui and Tang dynasties, focusing on four key themes: the rise and fall of nations, strategic flexibility, the selection and use of talent, and human virtue and vice. At times, it praises the ideal governance of the "Way of Kings" and the great achievements of Yao and Shun. At other times, it criticizes the decline of later dynasties, the corruption of rulers, the destruction of families and states, and the just desserts they received. It discusses the art of face-reading, analyzing appearances to discern status through humor. It warns rulers to value talent, for with it comes prosperity, and without it, collapse. It evaluates emperors across generations, discussing their strengths and weaknesses. It exposes social evils, such as "small minds planting trees, while great ones seek shade." It praises education and kindness, never abandoning poor wives or friends. It attacks the hypocrisy of the daylight world, such as "those who steal hooks are punished, while those who steal kingdoms become feudal lords." It praises the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn period and the Seven States of the Warring States period. It highlights the eloquence of Su Qin and Zhang Yi, discussing their theories of alliances and disalliances. Thus, The Inverse Classics is both a multi-dimensional and comprehensive examination of history before the Tang Dynasty and a profound summary of historical lessons. It is a profound and mystical work of historical philosophy that also serves as a comprehensive guide for governing states, managing families, and self-cultivation. Today, it remains a specialized work on strategic arts for leaders. Especially for those with great ambitions and a pursuit of excellence, it offers invaluable insights for diplomacy, public relations, and personal conduct. The Inverse Classics is deeply enlightening. The original text is overly difficult and contains numerous annotations. To facilitate reading and popularize it among the masses, the translators have omitted the original text and provided only a modern translation, striving for clarity and accessibility. The original book consists of ten volumes and sixty-three chapters. The translators have appropriately omitted sections less relevant to modern life, such as face-reading, divination, military training, and formations. The titles of the original chapters were all two-character phrases, such as "Character Assessment" and "Leadership Selection." We have added (popular) explanations to these titles. This makes The Inverse Classics more accessible to modern readers.