Wu-wei is the Taoist principle of effortless action, aligning with the natural flow of the universe through non-interference.
Wu-Wei: The Art of Letting Things Happen and Let Go
Koans
In zen, we don’t find the answers. We lose the questions.
What is the colour of wind?
When you can do nothing, what can you do?
What is the sound of one hand clapping?
A monk asked Kegon, “How does an enlightened one return to the ordinary world?”
Kegon replied, “A broken mirror never reflects again; fallen flowers never go back to the old branches.”
A monk saw a turtle in the garden of Daizui’s monastery and asked the teacher, “All beings cover their bones with flesh and skin.
Why does this being cover its flesh and skin with bones?” Master Daizui took off one of his sandals and covered the turtle with it.In essence, Zen koans are tools for:
Breaking free from intellectual limitations.
Cultivating mindfulness and present-moment awareness.
The art of surprise playing d.u.m.b
Arthur Schopenhauer, the German philosopher, proposed a unique approach to achieving success: the art of playing dumb. This strategy can help individuals gain respect and reach their goals without appearing arrogant.
One key insight is the art of surprise; by embracing the element of surprise and appearing weaker than you truly are, you can gain an advantage at critical moments. Sun Tzu’s adage, “All warfare is based on deception,” underscores the effectiveness of this tactic in everyday situations.
Laozi, the ancient Chinese philosopher, explorer the concept of appearing weak or unassuming as a strategic approach.The gentle overcomes the rigid. The slow overcomes the fast. The weak overcomes the strong” (Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching)Another important aspect is understanding the value of listening. Wisdom lies in knowing when to speak and when to listen. By gathering information from those around you, you can offer valuable insights at the right time, embodying the wisdom expressed by Plato: “Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.”
Schopenhauer also suggested letting others think they’ve solved their problems on their own. By playing dumb in conversations, you can subtly guide discussions, making others feel empowered and respected while maintaining your own insights.
Moreover, while many crave the spotlight, it can be wiser to remain low-key until the right moment arrives. Acting as if you don’t know much until you can make a meaningful impact can position you as an underdog and earn you respect from others.
Lastly, people generally dislike show-offs. Schopenhauer believed that humility can win people over, suggesting that when you achieve success without flaunting it, others will see you as more admirable.
These five insights from Schopenhauer illustrate how playing dumb can be an effective strategy for success and gaining respect in various aspects of life.