Part 3, Session 2 · The Way of Heaven and the Way of Humanity

The Way of Heaven takes from those who have a surplus and gives to those who lack; the way of humanity takes from those who lack to serve those who have a surplus

Key insights

The Way of Heaven takes from those who have a surplus and gives to those who lack; the way of humanity takes from those who lack to serve those who have a surplus. The Way of Heaven is dynamic balance; the way of humanity is people devouring one another. Guiguzi’s teachings are not about turning to the dark side of strategy, but are grounded in the Way of Heaven, which is selfless and impartial. Only by understanding the ways of Heaven and humanity can we live clearly in this world.

1.1 The Core Essence of the Tao Te Ching

Original text

"天之道，损有余而补不足；
 人之道，损不足以奉有余。"

——《道德经》第七十七章

Interpretation

Characteristics of the Way of Heaven

• The Way of Heaven = dynamic balance
  • Distribute what is in excess to those who lack it
  • Maintain system stability
  • Natural regulation
  • Impartial
• Examples:
  • Water flows downhill (balancing high and low)
  • Heat transfer (balancing temperature)
  • Ecosystems (balancing populations)

Characteristics of the way of humanity

• Humanity = entrenched class divisions
  • Take from the poor and give to the rich
  • Widen the gap between the rich and the poor
  • Maintain the ruling order
  • 10% control 90%
• Examples:
  • Tax system (a heavier burden on the poor)
  • Capital accumulation (the rich get richer)
  • Concentration of power (rulers maintain control)

1.2 The Essence of Social Structure

10% vs 90%

• Social structure:
  • 10%: Game riggers, rulers, and elites
    • Set the rules of the game
    • Control core resources
    • Control the functioning of society
  • 90%: exploited workers, ordinary people, and the ruled
    • Follow the rules of the game
    • Provide labor
    • Create value only to have it extracted

The Four Major Traps

• Means of social control (the four major traps):
  • The education trap: training human cogs
  • The healthcare trap: anxiety about health
  • The real estate trap: debt slavery
  • The retirement trap: fear of the future
• Purpose:
  • Keep 90% of people content to work like beasts of burden.

The Book of Lord Shang: The First Banned Book

• The Book of Lord Shang:
  • China’s first banned book
  • Serve the rulers
  • Core ideas: weaken the people, impoverish the people, exhaust the people, humiliate the people, and keep the people ignorant
  • Purpose: to maintain the ruling order
• Reason for the ban:
  • It could only be shown to the rulers
  • The common people could not be allowed to know about it
  • Those who understood it would rebel
  • Banned for over 2000 years
• Now:
  • Times have progressed
  • Society has developed
  • It can be discussed openly
  • But it must still be grounded in the Way of Heaven

1.3 The Relationship Between Guiguzi and the Way of Heaven

Misconception: Guiguzi is about turning to the dark side

• ❌ Misconception:
• Guiguzi = Strategy = Scheming = Turning to the dark side
• Reasons:
  • Banned for 2000 years
  • Discusses insight into the human mind
  • Discusses strategic techniques
  • Feels "dark"

Correct Understanding: Guiguzi Is Grounded in the Way of Heaven

• ✅ Correct understanding:
• Guiguzi → Emerged from Daoism → Grounded in the Dao De Jing
• Chain of reasoning:
  • Guiguzi was a figure from the Warring States period
  • He lived at the same time as Laozi or slightly later
  • Daoist thought originated with Laozi
  • Guiguzi represents an applied branch of Daoism
  • Its underlying logic comes from the Tao Te Ching
• Relationship:
  • The Dao De Jing is the "Dao" (underlying principles)
  • Guiguzi is the "technique" (practical application)
  • Technique is inseparable from the Dao
  • Grounded in the Way of Heaven

The Way of Heaven is the core

• Characteristics of the Way of Heaven:
  • Impartiality: Favoring no side
  • Naturalness: Following the laws of nature
  • Balance: dynamic balance
  • Principle: it does not change according to human will
• Guiguzi’s approach:
  • Strategy within the laws of Heaven
  • Not scheming against the laws of Heaven
  • Wisdom that aligns with human nature
  • The ultimate goal is dynamic balance

1.4 How to Apply the Laws of Heaven and Human Nature

Mindset

1. See the true nature of society

• Acknowledge the existence of human nature
• Understand how social classes become entrenched
• Don’t be blindly optimistic
• Nor pessimistic and despairing

1. Choose to think in accordance with the laws of Heaven

• Pursue dynamic balance
• Altruistic spirit
• Long-term development
• Inner peace

In practice

• Follow the laws of Heaven within a society governed by human nature:
  • Understand the rules: know how the game is played
  • Make use of the rules: maximize your benefits within them
  • Do not violate the laws of Heaven: do nothing that is cruel or unjust
  • Stay clear-minded: don’t be brainwashed; think independently

Adjust your mindset

• ❌ Wrong mindset:
  • Become cynical and resentful after learning the truth
  • Feel that the world is too dark
  • Lose the drive to strive
  • Withdraw from the world in defeat
• ✅ Right mindset:
  • Continue to love life even after seeing the truth
  • Know that darkness exists, yet pursue the light
  • Follow the laws of Heaven within human society
  • Live a life of clarity

Key quotes

• "The Way of Heaven takes from those who have too much and gives to those who have too little; the way of humanity takes from those who have too little to serve those who have too much."
• "The Way of Heaven is a dynamic balance; the way of humanity is people preying on one another."
• "10% of people in this society pull the strings, while 90% are beasts of burden."
• "The Book of Lord Shang is China's first banned book, written to serve rulers."
• "Guiguzi isn't about turning evil; it's strategy grounded in the Way of Heaven."
• "The Way of Heaven is selfless, impartial, and free of discrimination."
• "After seeing through this world, still love life."

Practical application

Daily Reflection

1. Today's behavior: Does it align with the Way of Heaven or the human way?
2. Decision-making criteria: Is it for the benefit of others or yourself?
3. Long-term impact: Does it contribute to dynamic balance?

Interpersonal relationships

1. Exchange value: Understand that the essence of relationships is an exchange of value
2. Don't act like an adult baby: Don't expect others to give to you unconditionally
3. Maintain your independence: Be financially and mentally independent

Career development

1. See through the rules: Understand the underlying logic of how the workplace operates
2. Improve yourself: Increase your bargaining power
3. Choose a field: Choose a direction aligned with the Way of Heaven (benefiting others)

Practice checklist

• ☐ Understand the difference between the Way of Heaven and the human way
• ☐ Reflect: Which one do your actions align with more?
• ☐ Observe: Who around you is pulling the strings, and who are beasts of burden?
• ☐ Decide: How can you make your next choice more aligned with the Way of Heaven?
• ☐ Mindset: Can you still love life after seeing the truth?