How to Use Chinese Philosophy to Conquer Your Day

You’re stuck in traffic. Again. The cars are inching forward slower than a snail in a tai chi class. Your phone is buzzing with notifications, your to-do list is longer than the Great Wall of China, and you’re pretty sure you just saw a pig fly past your window. (Okay, maybe that last one was stress-induced hallucination, but you get the point.)

In moments like these, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in the chaos of modern life. But what if I told you there’s a secret weapon hidden in the ancient scrolls of Chinese philosophy? A weapon that can help you manage the daily grind with grace, wisdom, and maybe even a chuckle or two?

We’re about to reveal the secrets of Confucianism, Taoism, and Legalism (yes, even the grumpy one) and discover how these ancient Chinese schools of thought can help you conquer your day, one philosophical concept at a time.

Forget self-help gurus and motivational posters with kittens hanging from tree branches. We’re going straight to the source – the wise and witty philosophers who figured out how to live a good life way before the invention of the internet.

So, whether you’re struggling with the ethics in China of your online shopping addiction, searching for inner peace in a world that feels like it’s constantly on fast-forward, or simply trying to figure out how to apply the concept of Wu Wei to your overflowing inbox, this blog post is your guide to finding ancient wisdom for modern mayhem.

Chinese philosophy 101 (a whirlwind tour)

Now, if you’re already familiar with the basics of Chinese philosophy, feel free to skip ahead to the next section. But for those of you who are new to the game, let’s take a quick tour of the major players in the Chinese philosophies arena:

• Confucianism: Imagine Confucius as that wise uncle who always gives the best advice, but instead of telling you to invest in Bitcoin, he’s all about ethics and morals, family values, and building a harmonious society. He’d probably also tell you to put down your phone and go have a real conversation with someone, but hey, nobody’s perfect.

• Taoism: Think of Taoism as that friend who’s always down for a spontaneous adventure, but also knows how to chill out and appreciate the simple things in life. They’re all about going with the flow, embracing the natural order of things, and finding balance in a world that’s constantly trying to throw you off kilter.

• Legalism: Okay, Legalism might not be the life of the party, with its emphasis on strict laws, order, and punishments. But hey, every friend group needs that one friend who keeps everyone in line, right? Just don’t invite them to your next karaoke night, unless you enjoy singing about the importance of following the rules.

So, there you have it – a crash course in Chinese schools of thought. Now that you’ve met the main characters, let’s see how their wisdom can help us tackle the chaos of modern life. (Spoiler alert: it involves a lot less yelling at the TV and a lot more inner peace.)

Ancient Chinese wisdom, modern applications

It’s time to ditch the dusty textbooks and step into the real world! Don’t worry, you can keep your comfy pajamas on. We’re all about that comfortable enlightenment.

In this section, we’re going to explore how those ancient Chinese philosophical concepts can actually be applied to your everyday life.

• Wu Wei (non-action): Now, before you start picturing yourself quitting your job and becoming a hermit who lives in a cave and communicates only through interpretive dance, let’s clarify what “Wu Wei” actually means.

It’s not about doing nothing. It’s about effortless action. It’s about finding the path of least resistance, like a river flowing around a rock instead of trying to smash through it. Or like that time you accidentally wore your most comfortable shoes to work and somehow had the most productive day ever.

Think of Wu Wei as the art of going with the flow, of finding that sweet spot where your actions align with the natural order of things. It’s about letting go of the need to control everything and trusting that the universe (or at least your GPS) knows what it’s doing.

Here are a few examples of how you can apply Wu Wei in your daily life:

• Dealing with difficult colleagues: Instead of engaging in a head-to-head battle of wills with that coworker who always seems to be in a bad mood, try a more indirect approach. Like water, gently flow around their negativity and focus on finding solutions that benefit everyone. Or, y’know, just hide their stapler. We won’t judge.

• Tackling challenging situations: When faced with a problem, don’t immediately jump into panic mode. Take a deep breath, assess the situation, and look for the most natural and effortless way forward. This might involve asking for help, delegating tasks, or simply accepting that some things are beyond your control.

• Making decisions: Instead of agonizing over every little choice, try tuning into your intuition and letting your inner wisdom guide you. This might sound a bit woo-woo, but hey, sometimes the best decisions are the ones that feel the most effortless.

And speaking of effortless wisdom, let’s not forget those famous Wu Wei quotes:

• “The Way never acts yet nothing is left undone.” Basically, the universe has a way of working things out, even when it seems like nothing is happening. So, chill out and trust the process.

• “By letting it go it all gets done.” This is basically the philosophical equivalent of “work smarter, not harder.” Sometimes, the best way to achieve something is to stop trying so hard and let things unfold naturally.

• Ren (benevolence): At its core, Ren is all about being a good human. It’s about treating others with compassion, empathy, and respect, even when they do things that make you want to scream into a pillow.

Now, we’re not saying you have to become a saint or anything. But incorporating a little Ren into your daily life can go a long way in creating a more harmonious and fulfilling existence. 

Here’s how you can put Ren into practice:

• Social media etiquette: Instead of engaging in online arguments with strangers about politics or the latest celebrity gossip, try spreading a little kindness and positivity. You might be surprised at how far a genuine compliment or a supportive comment can go.

• Environmental responsibility: Show some love to Mother Earth by making conscious choices that reduce your environmental impact. This could involve recycling, reducing your plastic consumption, or simply picking up that piece of trash you see on the sidewalk.

• Workplace ethics: Treat your colleagues with respect, even the ones who drive you crazy. (Remember, good karma points!) Be honest in your dealings, and strive to create a positive and supportive work environment. And maybe bring in some donuts every now and then. Everyone loves donuts.

So, there you have it – a crash course in Wu Wei and Ren.

Chinese philosophy in action

We’re going to take a peek now at how those ancient philosophical concepts we’ve been discussing are actually reflected in Chinese ways of life, both past and present. Because philosophy isn’t just for dusty old books; it’s for living, breathing, dumpling-eating humans.

Chinese business philosophy

Ever wondered why Chinese business negotiations can feel like a delicate dance, full of subtle cues and unspoken rules? Well, Chinese business philosophy is deeply rooted in Confucianism and Taoism, with a dash of Legalism thrown in for good measure. Think of it as a philosophical cocktail, shaken, not stirred.

Confucianism emphasizes building strong relationships, maintaining harmony, and respecting hierarchy. So, yes, those tea ceremonies and elaborate Chinese business dinners are actually strategically important! Taoism encourages flexibility, adaptability, and finding win-win solutions.

And Legalism? Well, let’s just say it reminds everyone to play by the rules and honor their agreements or face the consequences. 

• Everyday life: But it’s not just in the boardroom where Chinese philosophy shines. It’s woven into the fabric of everyday life, from family dynamics to social interactions.

• Family: Confucianism places a strong emphasis on filial piety, which basically means respecting your elders and fulfilling your family obligations. So, yes, calling your parents regularly and showing up for those family reunions is practically a philosophical mandate.

• Social harmony: Remember Confucius and his obsession with social harmony? Well, that translates into a culture that values politeness, respect, and avoiding conflict. This might explain why you rarely see people yelling at each other in public in China. Or maybe they’re just really good at whispering their Chinese insults.

• The Tao of everyday things: Taoism encourages living in harmony with nature, embracing simplicity, and finding joy in the present moment. So, that leisurely stroll through the park? Totally philosophical. That afternoon nap under a tree? Peak Taoism.

Qing philosophy and modern China

Now, let’s fast forward a bit to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). This era saw a fascinating development in Chinese philosophy, with thinkers grappling with new ideas and challenges. 

Qing philosophy was marked by a revival of Confucianism—but with a twist. Scholars debated the role of individual agency, the nature of knowledge, and the relationship between the individual and society. Basically, they were trying to figure out how to be a good person in a rapidly changing world. Sounds familiar, right?

Unlocking even more ancient wisdom

Want to get deeper into the fascinating world of philosophy in China? Let’s explore a few more concepts that can enrich your understanding of this ancient wisdom and its relevance to modern life.

• Confucianism today: While Confucius may have lived centuries ago, his ideas about Chinese ethics and morals still resonate today. Confucianism today emphasizes the importance of education, family, and social harmony. It encourages us to strive for moral excellence and contribute to the well-being of our communities.

• Examples of Wu Wei in everyday life: Remember the concept of Wu Wei, that effortless action we discussed earlier? Here are a few more examples of Wu Wei in everyday life:
  • Delegating tasks: Instead of trying to do everything yourself, trust others to help you out. Ask your partner to do the dishes, hire a babysitter, or finally accept that your cat is not going to learn how to file your taxes.

• Listening to your intuition: Sometimes the best way to solve a problem is to trust your gut feeling. Choose the scenic route instead of the highway, order the special of the day instead of your usual dish, or finally say “yes” to that spontaneous weekend trip.

• Accepting change: Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. Instead of resisting change, try embracing it and going with the flow. This might involve adapting to a new job, moving to a new city, or finally learning how to use TikTok.

• Taoist culture and lifestyle: The principles of Taoism extend beyond individual practices to influence the broader Taoist culture. From traditional Chinese medicine to martial arts like Tai Chi, the emphasis on balance, harmony, and living in accordance with nature is deeply ingrained in many aspects of Chinese life. A Tao lifestyle encourages mindful living, simplicity, and finding joy in the present moment. So go ahead, take that afternoon nap. Lao Tzu would approve.

• Confucian metaphysics: While we mostly focused on the practical aspects of Confucianism, it’s worth noting that it also has a metaphysical side. Confucian metaphysics explores the nature of reality, the cosmos, and the human place within it. It’s basically the equivalent of asking, “What is the meaning of life?” But with fewer existential crises and more focus on social responsibility.

• Inner peace, Chinese style: Achieving inner peace is a universal human aspiration, but Chinese philosophy offers some unique perspectives on how to cultivate it. From meditation and Chinese mindfulness practices to cultivating virtues like compassion and self-awareness, there are many paths to finding inner peace, Chinese style. And no, you don’t have to become a monk or live in a secluded temple. Although, if that’s your thing, go for it.

By incorporating these additional concepts into your understanding of Chinese philosophy, you’ll gain a richer appreciation for its depth and complexity. And who knows, you might even find some new ways to apply this ancient wisdom to your modern life.

Level up your life with a side of ancient wisdom

Remember that feeling of being overwhelmed? Well, armed with the wisdom of Confucius, Lao Tzu, and the gang, you’re now ready to face those challenges with a newfound sense of calm.

But before you retreat to a mountaintop to contemplate the meaning of life (tempting, we know), we’ve got one more adventure in store: mastering Mandarin Chinese!

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