Historical Lesson: The Fall of the Eastern Han Dynasty
Two weeks ago, I discussed whether people learn from history, using the Eastern Han Empire (second half of the first century) as an example. I explored how members of the extended imperial family competed with emperors for power. Today, I'm revealing the answer: from one perspective, the emperor won, but from another, nobody truly won—because the Eastern Han Empire eventually collapsed.
The Power Struggle
Members of the extended family initially held significant power. To maintain control, they worked with young emperors, then transitioned their influence to the next generation. By sharing power with other families, they preserved their authority even if it meant dividing it.
Emperors weren't naive—they recognized that their mothers, foster mothers, and wives had competing interests and didn't always prioritize the empire's welfare. This reality exposed the selfishness and darkness of human nature. Mothers often favored the majority of their children over the singular emperor, leading family members to compete against him for power.
Blood relationships proved stronger than marital bonds, prompting many family members to seize power from the emperor through alliances with ministers, nobles, and generals.
The Rise of the Eunuchs
Emperors discovered that eunuchs could be valuable allies. Eunuchs controlled the palace and, having been castrated, had no biological family connections—some even harbored resentment toward their birth families. This made them singularly loyal to the emperor.
Emperors empowered eunuchs to control the palace and broader government, using them to bring charges against ministers and scholars. The eunuchs became tools to eliminate or reduce the power of extended family members.
However, the eunuchs eventually realized they could control the emperor as puppets, just as the extended families had done before. They became the actual winners of this power competition, dominating for over thirty years across several generations.
The Empire's Collapse
The empire eventually fragmented into warring factions. By the late second or early third century, three major divisions emerged: the largest controlled by Cao Cao, the second by Sun Quan, and the smallest by Liu Bei. Cao Pi (Cao Cao's son) forced the last Han emperor to abdicate and claimed the throne himself, though he only inherited his father's territory.
Implications and Lessons
This power struggle had devastating consequences:
1.    Corruption of Values: Emperors granted eunuchs prestigious titles like marquis, elevating a previously despised group. Eunuchs even married and adopted children, climbing the power ladder and marrying their daughters to princes or sons to princesses—all for power rather than genuine relationships.
2.    Abandonment of Principles: Confucian principles were abandoned as people became purely power-minded, seeking benefits and privileges rather than serving the greater good.
3.    Loss of Loyalty: As people recognized that emperors were puppets and eunuchs held real power, loyalty shifted to local bases rather than the central government. More people abandoned Confucianism and turned to Buddhism and Daoism.
Conclusion
This historical example teaches us that our choices have serious consequences. When seeking collaboration or help, we must be extremely careful about our partners. A bad choice can lead to chaos and division—as it did for the Han Dynasty within just twenty or thirty years.
We must think beyond immediate problems and consider how our choices will affect the future. Be cautious about whom you work with, as they may change the direction of your future entirely.
 
#Power corruption#Trust and betrayal#Loyalty conflict#Self-interest vs. collective good#Consequences of choices#In-group/out-group dynamics
 
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Buddhism first appeared in China during the first century CE. Rather than discussing it as a religion, I'll examine it as a system of thought, exploring its causes, effects, and the lessons we can learn from it.
Why Emperor Ming Embraced Buddhism
Emperor Ming of Han had an extremely troubled family background. During his childhood, even though he lived in the palace, he was separated from his mother—they lived in different houses. Other princes lived with their mothers, but he could not. His father had numerous concubines, and many of the princes had their own palaces from age fifteen or sixteen.
This created deep psychological wounds. While such arrangements might seem normal for an emperor, Chinese culture emphasizes collective values over individualism, making it difficult to simply ignore these painful experiences. Growing up in these conditions, Emperor Ming and other princes developed problems with interpersonal relationships.
Before becoming emperor, members of the extended family were dominant and controlled various aspects of court life. After ten years as emperor, Ming still couldn't fully manage these interest groups. He was capable of suppressing them but couldn't address the root problems. Tragically, his own brother, the Prince of Chu, even attempted to overthrow him.
Why Confucianism Failed Him
Confucianism doesn't teach people how to deal with extreme emotional situations. It considers an ideal world where everything runs properly—with standard ways for children to interact with parents, subjects with rulers, and officials with emperors. But reality doesn't match this ideal, and Confucianism doesn't teach how to face these discrepancies or how to find comfort in difficult circumstances.
The Effects: Two Sides
The immediate effect was mutual benefit. The emperor still performed Confucian rituals publicly, but privately embraced Buddhism for comfort. High and low-ranking officials followed his example, and common people—who faced daily suffering—also found solace in Buddhism.
Emperor Ming clearly needed something to comfort his broken heart. If even a prince and emperor faced such difficulties, ordinary people and government officials needed comfort even more.
The Long-Term Decline
At first, Buddhism provided genuine comfort. But over time, problems emerged. Within 50-70 years, by the second century, politics descended into turmoil. Officials and bureaucrats became less devoted to their duties, holding positions to support their families but making no real contributions.
Confucianism was no longer supreme. By the late Western Han period, political complexity meant young emperors succeeded to the throne, and power shifted to local governors and great families. People transferred their loyalty away from the central government.
By the third century, loyalty shifted further toward regional powers and aristocratic families. Buddhism and Daoism became the two major schools of thought from the third to seventh centuries.
The Darkest Consequence
Because politics was so messy in later Han years, educated people devoted themselves to increasingly abstract philosophical debates, memorizing texts and creating elaborate concepts divorced from practical matters. They became obsessed with theoretical purity rather than real-world applications.
This had a disastrous, long-lasting effect for centuries after Emperor Ming died.
Conclusion: China's "Dark Ages"
Reflecting on this period, I realize the third to seventh centuries in China could be considered a "dark age," much like Europe's fifth to tenth centuries. Before the first century, China was perhaps the most civilized region in the world. But by the mid-nineteenth century, China had become "the sick man of Asia."
Perhaps those four hundred years—when practical innovation and development stagnated—are a major reason why Chinese civilization declined so drastically. The lack of practical invention from the third to seventh centuries caused China to stop progressing and even move backwards.
The Lesson
This serves as a warning not just for myself, but for our children and future generations. Before we take action on anything—whether major decisions or everyday matters—we need to think carefully about the consequences. We must consider before we act.
 
#Confucianism vs Buddhism China#Chinese dark ages since third century#Buddhism political effects ancient China#emotional coping mechanisms history#psychological comfort religion#avoidance coping strategies
 
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I want to discuss the old saying "history repeats itself." There are two interpretations: first, that people never learn from their mistakes, and second, that history's patterns naturally recur. I'll use examples from China's Eastern Han Dynasty (first-second century CE) to explore this from different perspectives.
The Imperial Power Struggles
In first-century China, extended family members of the emperor constantly fought for power, leading to repeated tragedies. It seemed they hadn't learned from events just a century or even fifty years earlier.
However, looking deeper reveals they did learn—but learned the wrong lessons. After generations of conflict, imperial family members realized that to control the emperor, they needed to cooperate rather than fight each other. Two or three extended families began working together to dominate the throne. Eventually, emperors figured out ways to eliminate these powerful families entirely.
This shows that people learned from history, but their lesson was "how to consolidate power more effectively," not "avoid the struggle altogether." When pursuing ultimate power and wealth, people become blinded by greed, leading to miscalculations—not because history failed to teach them, but because they chose what to learn.
A Broader Perspective: Dogs and Humans
From a universal perspective, people absolutely learn from history. Consider dogs—uniquely domesticated animals whose ancestors were wild wolves. Unlike horses, pigs, or chickens, dogs evolved through a remarkable historical partnership with humans.
Tens of thousands of years ago, wolf packs expelled their weaker, younger members. These outcasts discovered that living near early humans (Homo sapiens) provided food scraps for survival. Over generations, this relationship deepened. Wolves began barking to alert humans of danger, and humans recognized their value. Eventually, humans trained wolf-dogs to hunt and guard property, leading to the shepherd and hunting dog breeds we know today.
 
 
Conclusion
Whether creatures learn from history depends on perspective. From a narrow view focused on power struggles, people seem doomed to repeat mistakes—not because history doesn't teach us, but because greed blinds us to its lessons. From a broader evolutionary view, both humans and animals clearly learn and adapt across generations. History offers its lessons; whether we learn depends on what we choose to see.
Thank you for listening.
 
#History repeats itself#do people learn from history#Eastern Han Dynasty#dog domestication history#power struggles in ancient China#wolf to dog evolution
 
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Hi friends! Today I'm going to talk about the sixth book of Bo Yang's version of Tongjian Jishi Benmo (通鑒纪事本末), specifically about horrible internal rivalries.
The incident I'll discuss concerns the Eastern Han Dynasty's relationship with nomadic tribes. These weren't a single ethnic group but many different tribes with complicated relationships. What we can learn from these ancient historical events is still relevant to our lives today.
The Historical Context:
Sima Guang wanted to illustrate the stupidity and greed of people. The Eastern Han initially appeared to maintain peace with various nomadic tribes, but different officials had different approaches to managing these relationships. As we know, secrets can never be hidden forever—there are always whistleblowers or people who talk.
Ban Chao (班超), for example, gave each tribal chief extra favors so they would keep their people peaceful and obedient. But here's the problem: while the chiefs might keep the secret, what about their people? As tribes interacted with one another, they would discover that every chief was getting extra favors from the Han general, but no one was getting more than the others.
This created problems. The tribes became dissatisfied because they wanted more than their neighbors. Their expectations grew larger and larger. Back then, there was no paper money—only precious metals and minerals, which were limited. The Eastern Han's capacity to give was limited, so the general in charge of the western territories had to impose restrictions.
How the Rivalries Developed:
Now the real trouble began. From the Han standpoint, when a tribal chief came to the palace requesting grants, he needed to give a reasonable explanation. I'm speculating here because we're talking about events from the first and second centuries—nearly two thousand years ago.
The most common reason given was reporting that a nearby tribe was rebellious. If a tribe could eliminate these "rebels" and help defend the Han, they could receive great fortunes—far more than if they simply surrendered peacefully. Once neighboring tribes learned that eliminating others brought greater rewards, they too would attack their neighbors to secure more wealth.
This pattern started in the mid-first century and escalated into the second century. Across the western grasslands, tribes turned on each other to obtain grants from the Eastern Han Empire. This is why Sima Guang titled this section as he did—he felt sorry for those people who were initially unrelated but had to fight and die because of this system.
Modern Parallels:
Let me share some observations. In criminology, when studying theft, you'll find that thieves often succeed because someone around them intentionally leaked information or even helped them steal. In China, we have cameras everywhere, making it difficult for thieves to operate undetected—unless they have inside help or information about how to avoid the cameras.
Similarly, in the corporate world, especially among sales teams, there's a phenomenon where salespeople steal clients from their colleagues rather than finding new ones. Companies have policies against this behavior, but there are always rule-breakers. Why?
Just like the Han situation with nomadic tribes, it's easier to take what already exists than to create something new. It's selfishness and human nature. Many people prefer easy money. There's something psychologically appealing about getting something you didn't fully earn—it feels more exciting than receiving what you deserve.
This is why internal rivalry exists. Whether it's tribes fighting each other or coworkers competing unethically, when people can get something the easy way, why would they consider the hard way?
I remember reading somewhere that the cost of finding a new customer is four times the cost of maintaining an existing one. Stealing a customer from a colleague is probably just slightly more difficult than maintaining an existing customer, but much easier than acquiring a completely new one.
Conclusion:
Internal rivalry seems to be part of human nature. We need to use our rationality and righteousness to stop ourselves—or try to persuade and influence others not to do this. Thank you.
 
#Greed and selfishness#Zero-sum competition#Unearned reward psychology#Insider threat behavior#Rational self-interest#Scarcity mindset
 
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Today I'll discuss the Eastern Han Dynasty in first-century China, using three examples to illustrate the tragic circumstances of extended royal family members and why we should appreciate living in a republic with democracy.
Example 1: Liu Ying, Brother of Emperor Ming
Liu Ying was accused of plotting to overthrow the emperor and seize power—a charge that seems ridiculous and extreme. A successful rebellion requires three key elements: proper timing (such as the emperor behaving erratically), favorable environmental conditions (like natural disasters undermining authority), and support (both military and public). The Kingdom of Chu was impoverished, so Liu Ying lacked the wealth to raise a private army. Additionally, his mother had no influence in the palace. Given these factors, rebellion was completely illogical.
Even stranger, after supposedly committing treason, Liu Ying's mother and children were spared and retained their royal titles, while thousands of others were executed. The only reasonable explanation is that Liu Ying was a scapegoat—the emperor needed an excuse to eliminate ministers he disliked and used his brother's supposed conspiracy to justify a massive political purge.
Example 2: Ma Yuan and His Family
General Ma Yuan was instrumental in Emperor Guangwu's rise to power, serving as his highest-ranking general. However, he understood that the greater one's contributions to the emperor, the greater the danger. To protect her family from execution, Ma Yuan's daughter (who became empress) remained extremely humble, kind to servants and eunuchs, and kept a low profile. Under the extended family punishment system, if one person committed a crime, their spouse, parents, siblings, uncles, aunts, and relatives extending to three or four generations could all be executed.
Example 3: Dou Xian, the Emperor's Brother-in-law
General Dou Xian achieved what hadn't been accomplished in 200 years—he defeated the Xiongnu and expanded Han territory within just two years. If he had wanted to usurp the throne, he could have done so by commanding his army at the frontier instead of returning to the capital. Yet he came back, showing he had no such intention. Still, the emperor couldn't tolerate his power and eventually forced him to commit suicide.
Dou Xian likely didn't desire to be emperor because he understood the reality: emperors had absolutely no privacy. Eunuchs managed which consorts the emperor slept with each night, guards and servants followed him everywhere, and even during intimate moments with his wives, attendants waited just 10-20 meters away. Some people value freedom and privacy over absolute power.
Conclusion
Royal positions were prestigious but extremely dangerous—two sides of the same coin. By learning from history, we should deeply appreciate living in the 21st century with democracy, equality, freedom of expression, and governance through discussion and consensus rather than the arbitrary will of one person in power.
 
#Paranoia and power#Scapegoating in politics#Survival strategies under authoritarianism#Fear and self-preservation#Tyranny and mental health#Trauma of absolute power
 
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Summary
Today I’m going to discuss major events in the Western Regions (西域) during the late first and early second centuries CE, focusing on General Ban Chao (班超), who successfully regained Han Empire control over this territory.
The Saying: "Clear Water Has No Fish"
Ban Chao famously said: "If the water is too clear, there will be no fish. If a man is too strict with others, he will have no friends." The deeper meaning is that top principles should be preserved while allowing flexibility on minor ones—some "dirt in the water" is necessary for life to thrive.
Context: Different Societies, Different Approaches
The Han Empire was an agricultural, bureaucratic society, while the Western Region tribes were nomadic. These fundamentally different lifestyles—comparable to the differences between Native Americans and European colonizers—required different governing principles.
Ban Chao's Three Core Principles:

1. Maintain peace between the tribes and the Han Empire - Without sufficient military defense at distant borders, diplomacy was essential. Nomadic tribes raided because they lacked agricultural resources (grains, vegetables) that grasslands couldn't provide. If they had nothing valuable to trade, robbery was their only option.
2. Keep peace among the tribes themselves - If tribes fought each other, trade would be impossible. Merchants couldn't safely travel, and resources would be destroyed or stolen. Peace among tribes benefited both sides economically.
3. Use strategic negotiation - Ban Chao understood tribal customs and used financial incentives discreetly. He gave extra rewards "under the table" to individual tribal chiefs, letting each believe they alone received special treatment. This secured their cooperation while maintaining their dignity.

When Flexibility were abandoned:
One Han representative rigidly applied Confucian principles without adapting to nomadic customs. The tribes eventually turned against him, forcing him to return to China. This reignited border conflicts until Ban Chao was sent to restore peace through his more flexible approach.
Philosophical Reflection: "The End Justifies the Means" vs. "The Means Justify the End"
This raises the question: does the end justify the means, or do the means justify the end?

• "The end justifies the means" suggests any method is acceptable if the goal is good—a dangerous principle without legal and ethical boundaries.
• "The means justify the end" insists on proper methods, but sometimes situations demand flexibility.

The truth is situational. Ban Chao followed "the end justifies the means" by tolerating small bribes and accommodating tribal greed to achieve lasting peace and prosperity for both sides. While we shouldn't compromise core principles, most situations require us to assess conditions carefully and choose our approach wisely.
Conclusion:
Only a few principles are absolute—most depend on context. Success lies in understanding our situation and deciding what we should do accordingly.
 
#Ban Chao#Clear water has no fish#Pragmatic leadership psychology#Moral flexibility vs rigid principles#Diplomatic manipulation techniques#Consequentialism vs deontology
 
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Summary
This analysis explores the complex relationship between political leadership, media freedom, and educational systems in Taiwan, examining how people's perceptions of "the good old days" influence contemporary political discourse.
Key Arguments
Political Leadership Qualities
Effective political leaders possess three essential characteristics: they demonstrate genuine care and equality toward all people regardless of social status, they understand and work with natural societal trends rather than forcing change, and they remind citizens of better times while promising future prosperity. This approach represents a sophisticated political strategy that resonates with voters seeking stability and hope.
Media Landscape and Information Challenges
Taiwan's current media environment features approximately 30-40 television companies with nearly 200 channels, creating an oversaturated information landscape. This abundance of media sources, while representing increased freedom of speech and democratic progress since the end of martial law, has made it increasingly difficult for citizens to distinguish between factual reporting and opinion commentary. The proliferation of channels has paradoxically complicated rather than simplified access to reliable information.
Educational System Evolution
The liberation of education has brought both benefits and challenges. While the previous system under authoritarian rule used government-written textbooks and centralized curriculum, the current system allows schools to choose from multiple publishers and approaches. However, this freedom has created inconsistencies across institutions, making student transitions between schools more difficult and raising questions about educational quality and standardization.
The Psychology of Nostalgia
Human beings naturally tend to romanticize the past as a psychological protection mechanism. This tendency to remember positive aspects while forgetting difficulties serves as a survival strategy, but it can also distort political judgment. Just as people eventually outgrow fairy tales while still appreciating them from a different perspective, society must learn to evaluate historical periods objectively rather than through the lens of nostalgia.
Conclusion
The analysis suggests that while Taiwan has made significant democratic progress since the end of martial law, the complexity of modern democratic institutions creates new challenges. The key is developing the wisdom to appreciate progress while acknowledging that both past and present systems have their respective strengths and limitations. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for making informed political and social decisions in contemporary Taiwan.
 
# Rosy retrospection bias# Cognitive bias nostalgia# Defense mechanisms psychology# Collective memory bias# Psychological coping mechanisms# Memory distortion politics
 
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Today I want to share the story of Wang Mang (王莽), a man who saved China but later nearly destroyed it. This historical figure from ancient China provides a fascinating case study in leadership and power.
Historical Context Wang Mang lived during the transition between the Western Han Dynasty and established the short-lived Xin Dynasty. He came from a powerful family - his aunt was an empress - during an era when dominant families regularly controlled young emperors through a cyclical pattern of palace politics.
Why Wang Mang Rose to Power Several factors contributed to his success:

1. He solved real problems - Most importantly, he addressed the critical Yellow River flooding issue that previous leaders had ignored due to personal interests.
2. Strong reputation and character - Wang Mang was highly educated, well-versed in Confucian principles, modest, hardworking, and genuinely cared about common people's welfare.
3. Political opportunity - The cycle of child emperors created power vacuums that ambitious families could fill.

The Peter Principle in Action Wang Mang's downfall illustrates the Peter Principle perfectly - he was promoted beyond his level of competence. As a regent, he had time to deliberate decisions carefully, consulting with the emperor as an excuse to think things through. However, once he became emperor himself, he was forced to make immediate decisions in meetings without this buffer time. This led to poor judgment calls that ultimately destroyed the country within 15 years.
Modern Lessons This story makes me appreciate our democratic systems today. Unlike imperial China's one-man rule, we have:

• Diversified belief systems and organizational structures
• Various corporate models (from CEO-led companies to collective board leadership)
• Multiple governmental systems across 200+ countries to learn from

We're fortunate to live in an era where we can choose organizational cultures that fit us best, rather than being subject to the absolute power of a single ruler.
The story of Wang Mang reminds us why checks and balances matter in both business and government.
#Wang Mang#Chinese imperial history#Western Han Dynasty#Peter Principle#organizational structure#leadership & power

Many people believe that China's Cultural Revolution in the 1960s-70s destroyed Chinese morality and ethics. However, I argue that the Cultural Revolution merely exposed character traits that had already existed for over two thousand years. These characteristics were deeply embedded in Chinese imperial culture, creating patterns that persist even today.
The Emperor's Isolation and Relationships
The Forbidden City contained 1,008 buildings housing numerous concubines and servants. Despite this vast household, emperors often struggled with genuine intimacy. Like a child with too many toys, an emperor couldn't meaningfully connect with everyone around him. Following Pareto's principle, he likely formed close relationships with only a handful of people—perhaps five, like the fingers on one hand.
This isolation led to some concerning patterns. Emperors sometimes developed inappropriate relationships with male servants or their former wet nurses, reflecting the psychological distortions created by palace life.
The Women's Tragic Circumstances
The imperial palace housed at least 108 women as concubines. These women entered the palace through various means: some were daughters of officials seeking political advantage, others came through selection processes, and some were sent by families hoping to elevate their social status. Despite the large numbers, most lived lives of neglect and unfulfilled expectations.
The Children's Fractured Family Life
Perhaps most damaging was how imperial children were raised. Royal mothers didn't breastfeed their own children—wet nurses handled this duty. Children lived separately from their parents and siblings, creating weak family bonds. By age fifteen, princes were forced to leave the palace to establish their own residences, while princesses were married off for political alliances.
This system created sibling rivalry rather than familial love. Princes competed ruthlessly for succession, while princesses served as political pawns to strengthen their father's authority through strategic marriages.
The Lasting Impact
These imperial patterns—emotional isolation, transactional relationships, and fractured families—became deeply embedded in Chinese culture over two millennia. The palace system normalized behaviors that contradicted Confucian ideals of filial piety and family harmony.
This explains why, even in the 21st century, we still observe certain behavioral patterns among Chinese people that reflect this historical conditioning. The Cultural Revolution didn't create these traits—it simply revealed what had been shaped by centuries of imperial culture.
 
#cultural revolution#filial piety#Electra complex#Oedipus complex#distorted personality#reestablishment of character
 
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FDA局長專訪摘要與校園食品安全反思
專訪概況
現任FDA局長馬蒂·馬卡里醫生（Dr. Marty Makary）於7月18日接受《美國思想領袖》專訪，討論他自4月1日上任以來首100天的工作成果。身為醫生兼教授的馬卡里醫生概述了FDA的改革議程，重點在於恢復該機構的自主性並改善食品安全標準。
主要改革領域討論
1. 藥品審查制度改革

• 恢復FDA在新藥審批程序中的自主性
• 解決動物試驗程序的相關疑慮

2. 食品安全與營養指導方針
馬卡里醫生強調了幾個關鍵要點：

• 校園飲料禁令：支持最近美國衛生部的行政命令，將含糖飲料從K-12學校餐點品項中移除
• 聯邦餐食計劃：由於美國農業部每日花費約4億美元購買學校餐食、聯邦雇員餐食和軍隊餐食，政府有權了解食品成分
• 加工食品危機：70%的學校餐食由過度加工食品組成
• 預防重於治療：專注於透過更好的營養來預防糖尿病和多種癌症，而非在疾病發生後才治療
• 食品標籤改革：現行營養標籤需要修訂，讓人得以辨識天然食物和重度加工產品

3. 更廣泛的政策議題

• 處理非法進口的中國電子煙產品
• 食物食用指導方針
• 強化國內製藥供應鏈

對台灣校園食品系統的個人反思
目前面臨的挑戰
學校午餐計劃

• 儘管聘請了營養師和廚師，許多學生仍覺得學校餐食不好吃
• 包裝問題：鋁箔包裝飲料（保久乳、豆漿、果汁），明明可以在本地供應新鮮替代品
• 政府資助賦予當局監督食品品質和成分的權利

安親班和補習班

• 這些機構經常提供油炸食品和高度加工零食
• 與學校餐食形成不利比較，破壞教育營養努力
• 儘管在政府許可下經營，卻缺乏良善監督

便利商店

• 多家便利商店經常直接開設在學校對面
• 例子：某學校周邊在一年內從一家擴張到三家便利商店
• 這些商店販售高度加工、易上癮的食品，與健康的學校餐食競爭
• 容易取得導致頻繁購買，不論營養價值如何

建議解決方案
監管方式

1. 成分透明化：政府資助的餐食應要求完整的製成披露
2. 年齡限制：類似菸酒管制，某些高度加工食品應限制販售給未成年人
3. 立法行動：公民團體可倡議訂立限制有害食品販售給兒童的法律

品質改善

1. 家長參與：鼓勵家長在專業指導下參與學校餐食準備
2. 新鮮食品供應：開發系統提供新鮮飲料而非包裝替代品
3. 跨部門合作：教育、衛生、商業、農業、建管和法務部門應在食品安全上協作

健康危機背景
台灣擁有全球最高的洗腎病患比例，腎臟病患者的平均年齡顯著下降。有些三十多歲甚至二十多歲的年輕人現在需要洗腎治療，這與飲食因素和高度加工食品消費有強烈關聯。
結論
政府責任不僅止於資助，還要確保食品品質和安全。正如菸酒販售給未成年人最終透過持續倡議得到管制，對高度加工食品的類似限制可顯著改善公共健康成果。目標是預防與飲食相關的疾病，而非在疾病發生後才治療，特別是透過更好的營養政策保護兒童的長期健康。
 
Exclusive: Dr. Marty Makary Reveals How He’s Transforming FDA
 
#Dr. Marty MaKary#Robert F. Kennedy Jr.#food policy reform#學校營養午餐#安親班餐點#便利商店氾濫

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The Sweating Blood Horses: Historical Lessons for Modern Times
Introduction
Today I'm going to discuss the "sweating blood horses" from ancient times, exploring the stories from that period and their implications. In the latter part of my talk, I'll examine similar incidents in the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries and what we can learn from history.
The Legend of the Sweating Blood Horses
First, let's clarify what these "sweating blood horses" actually were. The name isn't literal—it refers to horses that appeared to sweat blood due to a parasitic infection. These were likely the Akhal-Teke horses from Turkmenistan. The Chinese name for them was given much later, probably by Westerners in the 17th or 18th century.
The Han Empire learned about these exceptional horses through generations of interaction with distant countries. They discovered that these far-off lands had valuable goods to trade, particularly these precious horses from the east. According to Chinese historical records, these horses could allegedly run 500 kilometers per day for 20 hours straight without needing rest—though realistically, they probably ran about 3 hours daily, covering perhaps 150-200 kilometers per day.
The Strategic Value
In military terms, if your army has cavalry while your enemy doesn't, you have a tremendous advantage. Whether for battle, intelligence gathering, or peacetime communication, these horses saved significant time and provided extraordinary efficiency compared to ordinary creatures.
The Trade Dynamics and Conflict
From a commercial perspective, sellers naturally want to maximize profits by emphasizing product quality, while buyers seek the lowest possible prices. Smart consumers and business owners prefer to buy directly from wholesalers or original suppliers rather than retailers.
This created conflicts of interest. Retailers wanted to keep their sources secret, while buyers increasingly sought to bypass middlemen and purchase directly from Central Asian breeders. As these horses traveled the long trade routes, some people decided it was easier to steal them rather than pay the high prices, leading to what became known as the "sweating blood horses war."
The Han Emperor didn't initially kidnap merchants or threaten trade routes. Instead, he sent Zhang Qian to discover new routes to reach the original breeding regions. Zhang Qian's explorations revealed multiple sources, including Xinjiang and other Central Asian regions, establishing what we now call the Silk Road.
The Vulnerability of Valuable Assets
However, possessing such valuable creatures came with significant drawbacks. These horses required extensive time, effort, and resources to breed, feed, and train. This specialization meant that horse-breeding regions couldn't simultaneously develop strong military defenses, making them vulnerable to raids and attacks from those who preferred taking by force rather than paying fair prices.
As the Chinese saying goes, there are always two sides to a coin—positive and negative aspects to everything.
Historical Parallels: The 19th Century
Moving to the 19th century, we see similar patterns. China was buying tea using silver from the Qing Empire but refused to buy iron from Great Britain. This angered the British, who were running out of silver reserves. To balance trade, Britain began importing opium to China, leading to widespread addiction. When the Chinese government tried to stop this trade, it sparked the Opium Wars.
Interestingly, while the Han Dynasty had attacked Central Asians to obtain horses without payment, in the 19th century, the British wanted to obtain Chinese silver without paying for tea. The underlying dynamic remained the same across centuries.
Modern Implications: The 21st Century
Today, we see similar patterns with oil-producing countries. Petroleum is extremely valuable because virtually everything—from transportation to electricity generation—depends on it. Most modern machinery requires petroleum products.
Countries that produce oil are strategically important, which explains why global powers like the United States, former Soviet Union, current Russia, Britain, France, and China have ongoing interests in Middle Eastern politics. Has there been any year without conflict in the Middle East? This is the price of holding such a valuable resource.
These global powers have their own interests in influencing regional politics, but they often fail to learn from history, just as the oil-producing countries themselves don't always learn from the past.
Taiwan and TSMC: A Contemporary Case Study
Looking at my own country, Taiwan, I believe we're also not fully learning from history. Many view our semiconductor manufacturing company TSMC as an "ultimate shield" that protects us, but I'm not entirely convinced.
TSMC produces about 50% of all semiconductor chips globally, including the highest-end ones. Since no advanced or developing country can progress without semiconductors, TSMC's importance is undeniable. If TSMC stopped production for just one year due to war or other disruptions, the global economy would likely drop by 30%—a staggering impact.
While some see this as protection against potential Chinese aggression, arguing that China wouldn't risk damaging such a crucial global resource, I believe this strategy has limitations. The United States has already begun diversifying by establishing TSMC plants domestically, with Germany and the Netherlands planning similar facilities.
Conclusion: Learning from History
By diversifying production and reducing Taiwan's percentage of total global semiconductor manufacturing, we can lower the risk of any single country using our valuable assets as a bargaining chip. While we should continue profiting from our technological expertise, we must also see the bigger picture and understand that holding extremely precious resources can make us targets.
The lesson from history is clear: possessing something extremely valuable isn't always advantageous. We must balance the benefits with the inherent risks and vulnerabilities that come with controlling critical resources. Only by learning from these historical patterns can we better navigate contemporary geopolitical challenges.
 
#sweat-blood horse war#silk road#tea leaf war#endless wars in Middle East#TSMC and Taiwan#rare earth
 
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Liu Bang's Three Greatest Impacts on Chinese History
Today I want to discuss three of the most significant ways Liu Bang (劉邦), the founder of the Han Dynasty, influenced Chinese civilization after his victory over Xiang Yu (項羽) in establishing the empire.
1. Breaking the Aristocratic Monopoly on Power
Liu Bang's greatest contribution was demonstrating that political power wasn't reserved exclusively for the aristocratic class. Unlike his rival Xiang Yu, who came from noble Chu state lineage, Liu Bang was a commoner who rose to become county chief through popular support. When the opportunity arose to overthrow the Qin Dynasty, people naturally followed his leadership.
Even after defeating the First Emperor's system, Liu Bang chose to create something entirely new rather than restore the old feudal order. He established his own governmental system, showing that anyone could achieve greatness through effort, regardless of their social background. This revolutionary idea encouraged people to work hard for their ambitions, though it also created instability as it inspired future rebellions and power struggles throughout Chinese history.
2. The Transformation of Family Relationships
Liu Bang's rise to power dramatically altered traditional family dynamics. After becoming emperor, he visited his father, but his wife whispered to the father that he should bow to his son, who was now the emperor. Liu Bang's response was particularly telling - he essentially reminded his father of how he had once been dismissed as worthless, asking what he thought now that his son had achieved supreme power.
This behavior was considered extremely disgraceful by Confucian standards, as it violated fundamental principles of filial piety. It established a dangerous precedent that power and position could override traditional family hierarchies and moral obligations - a concept that would influence Chinese political culture for centuries.
3. The Establishment of Authoritarian Political Patterns
Perhaps most significantly, Liu Bang's treatment of his key supporters established patterns of imperial paranoia and political purges that would characterize Chinese governance for over two millennia.
Zhang Liang (張良) was the wisest of Liu Bang's advisors. Recognizing the emperor's growing suspicion of his generals, Zhang Liang strategically withdrew from politics by feigning interest in Daoist practices and retirement. This clever move allowed him to survive Liu Bang's reign, though it demonstrated the precarious position even the most loyal supporters faced.
Han Xin (韓信), Liu Bang's brilliant military commander, was less politically astute. Despite his crucial role in defeating Xiang Yu, Han Xin failed to recognize the political dangers of his position. Liu Bang, threatened by Han Xin's military reputation and popularity, eventually had him executed on fabricated charges of treason.
Xiao He (蕭何), Liu Bang's loyal prime minister, observed Han Xin's fate and realized he too was at risk due to his reputation among the common people. To survive, he deliberately corrupted his image by accepting bribes and engaging in questionable behavior. Though this strategy initially worked, Liu Bang eventually stripped him of many privileges and dismissed him from office. Xiao He was fortunate to die of natural causes, unlike many others.
Lasting Legacy
Liu Bang's reign established several enduring patterns in Chinese political culture:

• The possibility for commoners to rise to supreme power through ambition and capability
• The precedent that political power could override traditional moral and family obligations
• A system where emperors systematically eliminate successful subordinates out of paranoia
• The normalization of political manipulation and the breakdown of principled governance

These patterns continued to influence Chinese politics well into the modern era. While Liu Bang gave hope to commoners that they could achieve greatness through hard work, he also taught that success required breaking rules, manipulating systems, and creating new rules to serve one's interests.
From 206 BCE until arguably the late 20th century, Chinese civilization has struggled with the negative aspects of Liu Bang's political legacy - the tension between meritocratic ideals and authoritarian paranoia that has shaped the Chinese political landscape for over two thousand years.
 
#unbearable lightness of being#end of classical feudal system#symbolic begin of the age of commoners#first distortion of filial piety#might is right#absolute power brings absolute corruption
 
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East vs. West: An Analysis of the unlikelihood of China's Rise and Historical Foundations
Introduction
Today I want to discuss why there's no such thing as "the East rises and the West declines" as the Chinese Communist Party claims. I'll examine current events first, then explore the historical foundations that shape modern China.
Current Events: Three Key Factors
1. Exaggeration and Boasting
Recent events demonstrate this pattern clearly. When the US sanctioned three Chinese nuclear facilities, China's Department of State made official statements suggesting the West is declining while the East is rising. However, if you can read Chinese or have someone translate their propaganda materials, you'll find a completely different narrative internally.
Chinese media claims their missiles can reach deeper underground than US capabilities - specifically, that they can penetrate 2,246 meters underground. This appears to be self-aggrandizement rather than factual reporting.
2. Reverse Engineering
Consider the recent emergence of Chinese AI models similar to ChatGPT. A company in Zhejiang Province, China, claimed they spent only 5 million yuan with 2,000 low-ranking semiconductor chips to build their processing unit. However, whistleblowers revealed they actually used 20,000 top-ranking semiconductor chips imported from third countries to circumvent US restrictions - costing 200 million yuan instead of 5 million.
This represents reverse engineering combined with technology theft. When countries demonstrate strength through copied technology rather than innovation, it raises questions about genuine technological capability.
3. State Enterprise with Unlimited Subsidies
Unlike in the United States or Europe, where IT companies must prove their creditworthiness to obtain funding, Chinese companies operate differently. Since there are no truly private companies or banks in China - they're all state enterprises controlled by the Chinese Communist Party - funding depends on political relationships rather than business merit.
If you can convince leadership that your project will help "the East rise and the West decline," you can receive enormous funding from China's GDP, which is around 20 trillion yuan. The government controls a significant portion of this GDP and can distribute funds as they see fit.
Take the example of BYD electric vehicles. The mechanical and electrical costs are probably around 15,000 yuan, but they sell for only 80,000 yuan or less. This is possible because the state provides subsidies of 15,000-30,000 yuan per vehicle, making Chinese EVs appear much cheaper than Western alternatives.
Historical Foundations
The Unification of Writing Characters
In 221 BCE, the King of Qin achieved unification after generations of effort, becoming China's first emperor. He implemented two policies that profoundly impacted Chinese civilization for over 2,000 years.
First, he burned books written in other languages and standardized writing characters. Before unification, different regions had various languages and writing systems. This diversity had fostered creativity and innovation - similar to how the Renaissance happened in Europe, where linguistic diversity stimulated philosophical and scientific development.
By forcing uniformity in language and thought, the emperor limited intellectual diversity. When you have only one language and way of thinking, creativity and innovation become constrained.
Implementation of Legalism
The second major policy was implementing Legalism, principles written by Han Fei. This philosophy teaches rulers how to manipulate subordinates and maintain power through fear and control. It's fundamentally different from Western legal principles based on justice and rights.
Legalism is essentially a manual for political manipulation and control. It teaches rulers how to set up traps for opponents and eliminate threats to power. According to modern standards, this philosophy promotes authoritarian control rather than justice or righteousness.
The Deer-Horse Story
A famous historical example illustrates this system's impact. Zhao Gao, a powerful minister, presented a deer to the emperor but called it a horse. When asked whether it was a deer or horse, officials faced a deadly choice. Those who said "deer" (the truth) were killed or imprisoned. Those who said "horse" (the lie) survived and were rewarded. Many remained silent to avoid taking sides.
This story demonstrates how truth-telling became dangerous, and survival required agreeing with those in power regardless of facts. This marked the end of intellectual honesty and the beginning of a system where only one principle mattered: agree with the powerful or face consequences.
Conclusion
Unlike the Western story of "The Emperor's New Clothes," where a child speaks truth to power, such honesty would be impossible in traditional Chinese imperial culture. Parents would quickly silence their children to protect the family from punishment.
Three factors prevent genuine progress:

1. Uniform thinking - Single-minded approaches limit creativity and innovation
2. Power manipulation - Systems based on control rather than merit or truth
3. Fear of truth-telling - When honesty becomes dangerous, society cannot progress

Until these foundational issues are addressed, true civilization and development remain elusive. The appearance of "Eastern rise" often masks deeper systemic problems rooted in historical patterns of control and conformity.

Thank you for listening to this analysis of East-West dynamics and their historical foundations.
 
#the East rises and the West declines#Chat GPT#DeepSeek#Tesla#BYD#state-owned enterprise#mother tongue elimination#ethnic cleansing#East Turkestan#Tibet
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Military Strategies: Warring States Era and Modern Applications
Introduction
This analysis examines strategic warfare principles from China's Warring States period (5th-3rd centuries BCE) and their relevance to contemporary geopolitical situations. Using two historical battles as case studies, we explore how ancient military wisdom applies to modern diplomatic and economic conflicts.
Historical Case Studies
The Battle of Guiling (352 BCE)
Background: The state of Wei attacked Zhao, besieging its capital Handan. Zhao requested military assistance from Qi.
Strategic Innovation: Instead of directly reinforcing Zhao's besieged capital, Qi's general Tian Ji and strategist Sun Bin implemented the "Wei救趙" (Surround Wei to Save Zhao) strategy. They attacked Wei's capital while Wei's army was engaged elsewhere.
Key Tactical Elements:

• Distance Analysis: Wei's capital was 350-400 kilometers from Handan, requiring 16 days of march
• Psychological Warfare: Forced Wei to choose between continuing their siege or defending their homeland
• Political Calculation: Avoided the shame of requiring foreign assistance while maximizing strategic advantage

Outcome: Wei's army rushed back to defend their capital, lifting the siege of Handan. Qi achieved victory without direct confrontation.
The Battle of Maling (342 BCE)
Background: Ten years later, Wei attacked Han. Qi again employed indirect tactics but with enhanced deception strategies.
Strategic Evolution: Sun Bin implemented "减灶" (Reducing Cooking Fires) - a deception tactic where Qi's army progressively reduced their campfires to simulate desertion and declining troop numbers.
Tactical Progression:

• Day 1: 100,000 cooking fires
• Day 2: 50,000 cooking fires
• Day 3: 30,000 cooking fires

Psychological Impact: Wei's general Pang Juan became overconfident, believing Qi's forces were deserting. This led to tactical errors and ultimately, Wei's devastating defeat.
Modern Applications: Trump Administration Strategy
Contemporary Parallels
The analysis suggests that former President Trump's policies toward China demonstrate similar strategic principles:
"Surround Wei to Save Zhao" Strategy
Application: Rather than directly confronting Iran-Israel conflicts, the Trump administration imposed tariffs on China, forcing Chinese leadership to focus on domestic economic challenges rather than supporting regional proxies.
Strategic Logic: By creating economic pressure on China, the administration indirectly reduced Chinese capacity to support Iranian activities in the Middle East.
Deception and Misdirection Tactics
Multi-layered Objectives: The analysis suggests Trump's trade policies had several hidden layers:

1. Surface Level: Tariff revenue generation
2. Economic Layer: Forcing American manufacturing reshoring
3. Monetary Layer: Strengthening Federal Reserve currency control
4. Systemic Layer: Reshaping global economic order

Testing Weaknesses: The administration used various policy announcements to probe Chinese responses and identify pressure points, similar to ancient battlefield reconnaissance.
Strategic Principles Identified
Core Concepts from Sun Tzu's Art of War

1. Indirect Approach: Attack where the enemy is unprepared
2. Deception: "All warfare is based on deception"
3. Economic Warfare: Modern conflicts often center on trade and currency rather than military force
4. Psychological Operations: Creating uncertainty to paralyze opponent decision-making

Modern Adaptations

• Economic Leverage: Using trade relationships as strategic weapons
• Information Warfare: Controlling narratives and expectations
• Alliance Management: Coordinating with partners without direct confrontation
• Graduated Response: Escalating pressure systematically

Conclusion
The enduring relevance of Warring States military philosophy demonstrates how strategic thinking transcends historical periods. Whether in ancient Chinese battlefields or modern trade negotiations, the fundamental principles of indirect action, deception, and psychological warfare remain effective tools for achieving political objectives while minimizing direct confrontation costs.
The key insight is that successful strategy often involves forcing opponents to react to your initiatives rather than responding to theirs, creating advantageous conditions through careful manipulation of circumstances rather than direct force application.

#the Art of War#the Art of the Deal#ancient Chinese military strategy#current US applications#MAGA#US-China trade war


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Summary: Ancient Chinese Reforms and the Rise of Qin State
Introduction
This episode focuses on the background story of ancient Chinese strategic reforms, specifically examining events around 356 BCE. Rather than diving directly into complex political strategies, this provides essential historical context about the evolution of these tactics.
Historical Context: The Warring States Period (circa 356 BCE)
During this period, China was divided into seven major states. The state of Qin, located in the far west, was considered the most backward and least developed of these states, operating more like a tribal society compared to the others.
Shang Yang's Three Major Reforms
A strategist named Shang Yang successfully persuaded Lord Qin Xiaogong to implement three revolutionary legal reforms:
1. Codification of Laws
The Problem: Previously, punishment and rewards depended on officials' moods and personal relationships, creating unpredictable and dangerous governance.
The Solution: Shang Yang proposed writing down all possible criminal behaviors and their corresponding punishments in a comprehensive legal code. This meant:

• Officials would consult the written law rather than make arbitrary decisions
• Punishments and rewards became standardized and predictable
• Military service and contributions to the state earned specific, documented rewards
• Personal emotions and relationships no longer influenced legal decisions

2. Unification of Written Language
The Problem: Each region had its own dialect and writing system. Most people were illiterate, and even educated officials serving the government often couldn't communicate effectively across regions, requiring translators.
The Solution: Qin standardized official documentation to use only Qin characters and language, eliminating:

• Translation delays and errors
• Miscommunication in government affairs
• Inefficiency in administrative processes

3. Standardization of Cart Wheel Measurements
The Problem: Different regions used carts with varying wheel sizes and axle widths, creating logistical nightmares for:

• Resource transportation
• Military coordination
• Trade efficiency

The Solution: Qin mandated uniform cart specifications across all territories, ensuring:

• Consistent transportation speeds
• Better military coordination
• Reduced waste and improved efficiency

Results and Impact
Within approximately ten years (by 346 BCE), these reforms transformed Qin from the most backward state into a formidable power. The state successfully attacked Han and demonstrated such strength that the other five states realized they needed to form alliances to counter Qin's growing influence.
By the 330s BCE, the remaining states finally understood they had to pursue collaborative strategies to compete with Qin's newly organized and efficient system.
Conclusion
This transformation represents a classic example of "the advantage of backwardness" - how a less developed state could leapfrog ahead through systematic reforms and modernization. Qin's success laid the groundwork for the coalition and alliance strategies that would define the later Warring States period.

#advantage of backwardness#multidimensional reform#ancient form of written law#unification of written language#standardization of wheel axle length

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Ancient Chinese Alliance Strategies and Modern Applications
Historical Context: The Warring States Period
Part of China's Warring States period (around 334-234 BCE), two major diplomatic strategies emerged that would shape military and political thinking for thousand of years:
Vertical Alliance Strategy (合縱)
This strategy involved weaker states forming coalitions to resist the dominant power of Qin. The concept was:

• Multiple smaller states would unite against the strongest single state
• Each ally would provide mutual support through troops, funding, and resources
• The goal was to prevent any one state from achieving total dominance
• This strategy maintained balance of power for approximately 15 years during the political career of Su Chin. It activated in several other periods as well

Horizontal Alliance Strategy (連橫)
This counter-strategy exploited human nature and self-interest:

• The dominant state (Qin) would approach each rival individually
• Qin would offer attractive terms and benefits to potential allies
• By making separate deals, Qin could break apart the vertical alliances
• This divide-and-conquer approach ultimately proved successful

Modern Applications
Contemporary Geopolitics
The speaker draws parallels between these ancient strategies and current international relations, particularly regarding:

• How major powers manage alliances and rivalries
• The challenge of maintaining multilateral coalitions
• Economic incentives used to influence diplomatic relationships

Workplace Applications
The principles can be applied in professional settings:

• Building relationships gradually: Start with individual colleagues before expanding to larger groups
• Understanding group dynamics: Recognize how alliances form and shift within organizations
• Strategic networking: Build connections across departments and divisions
• Maintaining balance: Foster healthy competition while promoting overall organizational success

Key Lessons

1. Strategy is neutral: These approaches are tools that can be used constructively or destructively
2. Human nature matters: Self-interest often trumps collective benefit
3. Timing is crucial: The effectiveness of any strategy depends on proper timing and execution
4. Adaptability is essential: Successful strategists must adjust their approach based on changing circumstances

Conclusion
These ancient Chinese strategies remain relevant today because they address fundamental aspects of human behavior and power dynamics. Whether in international relations or workplace politics, understanding these principles can help individuals navigate complex social and political environments more effectively.
The ultimate goal should be creating harmony and mutual benefit rather than purely self-serving manipulation.
 
Thank you for listening to this analysis of classical Chinese strategy.

#Ancient Chinese history#systems analysis#era of warring states#international relations strategies#diplomacy#modern approaches#multilateral alliance#bilateral treaty

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Did you know that horizontal and vertical alliance strategies are actually developed and taught by the same master strategistGui Gu Zi? Generally speaking, vertical alignment and horizontal connections are often presented as contradictory approaches.
Please follow my podcast to see more about the theatre of international relations during the era of warring states of Ancient China. Moreover, I’ll tell you how modern states apply these two strategies. Finally, I'll also explain how we can apply these strategies in our daily lives."
 
#ancient Chinese history#era of warring states#diplomatic strategies#contemporary international relations#multidimentional strategy

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Chinese Historical Strategy: Three Families Dividing Jin (三家分晉)
Introduction
Hello friends! I'm starting a new series analyzing "Tongjian Jishi Benmo" (通鑒記事本末) - a detailed account of Chinese historical events. These ancient strategies remain relevant today for understanding power dynamics and protecting yourself in complex situations.
Note: This knowledge is for self-defense and awareness, not manipulation.
The Historical Event (456-453 BCE)
The Setup
In ancient China's Jin state, four powerful families served under the Duke:

• Zhi Family (智氏): Most powerful, chief minister
• Zhao Family (趙氏): Strong
• Wei Family (魏氏): Strong
• Han Family (韓氏): Weakest

The Strategic Mistake
The Zhi family initially allied with the other three to overthrow the Duke, but revealed their true plan: eliminate the allies afterward and rule alone.
The Counter-Move
Recognizing the threat, the three weaker families united against the Zhi family. Though individually weak, together they matched the Zhi family's power. They informed the Duke of the Zhi family's rebellion, gaining legitimacy for their cause.
Result: In 453 BCE, the three families defeated and eliminated the entire Zhi family.
The Final Division
The remaining families eventually grew tired of puppet rulers. In 403 BCE, the Zhou king officially granted them independent status, dividing Jin's territory and ending the Duke's rule.
Modern Workplace Applications
Your Strategic Options
Best Choice: Stay neutral - do your job well and avoid office politics entirely.
If You Must Choose a Side:

1. Most Powerful Faction: Safe but limited benefits - you're not essential to them
2. Weakest Faction: Risky but your contribution is valued highly
3. Middle Faction: Balanced influence without excessive responsibility

Key Principles

• Create Balance: If only two factions exist, try forming a third with neutral parties
• Odd Numbers Work Better: Three factions give employees more bargaining power than two
• Know Your Position: Managers prefer even numbers of subordinate groups; employees prefer odd numbers of peer factions

Conclusion
The "Three Families Dividing Jin" teaches us that:

• Unity among the weak can overcome individual strength
• Revealing intentions too early can be fatal
• Power balances constantly shift and require careful navigation

Use these insights to protect yourself and understand complex situations - never to manipulate others.

Thank you for listening to this analysis of classical Chinese strategy.
 
#systems analysis#Strategic approach#Three families dividing Jin#balance of power#alliance#collaboration#Standing point#halls of power#survival

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Hi friends! Did you know that in ancient Chinese history, the "Three Families Dividing Jin" (三家分晉) - where three families split the feudal state of Jin - was originally initiated by four families?

Please follow my podcast to learn more about this historical incident that marked the beginning of the era of warring states. Moreover, by learning from historical events, you can also apply these lessons to your daily life.

#systems analysis#strategic approach#three Families Dividing Jin
 
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Hi friends! For those who follow contemporary Chinese politics, you probably know that Chinese President Xi Jinping identifies himself with the ultimate and eternal Chairman Mao Zedong. In fact, Mao thoroughly studied the work "Tongjian Jishi Benmo" (通鑒記事本末) and had applied numerous strategies and tactics from this book series during his life time in power.

Please follow my podcast to learn about the details of "Tongjian Jishi Benmo" in order to gain an even deeper understanding of contemporary Chinese politics.

#Ancient Chinese history#Contemporary Chinese Politics#systems analysis#Tongjian Jishi Benmo#Mao Zedong#Xi Jinping
 
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