Tao (Dao), Technique (Shu), and First Principles

The wisdom of Tao (道) and Technique (术) runs deep in the veins of Chinese culture—guiding all, from peasants to kings, through life’s cycles of birth, aging, sickness, and death. Yet few follow it with intent; fewer still study it. Most chase wealth with singular zeal, and when trouble strikes, they seek diviners to ‘ward off harm and court gain’ (趋利避害)—a testament to our era’s impatient pragmatism.

The sacred texts of our ancestors—the Tao Te Ching, I Ching, Analects—lie discarded like rubble. Time has not been kind: scribal errors, petty篡改 (tampering), and the muffling of truth by worldly noise have left their marks. But the canon survives. The Great Tao, though obscured, persists in the mundane—revealed only to those who test it through Technique (术) and lived trial.

The title "Tao, Technique, and First Principles" conveys a central thesis: Tao transcends East and West—it is a universal consciousness, an intuitive enlightenment that resonates across all cultures. We may call it science, or truth.

This piece serves two purposes:

1. To crystallize my current understanding;
2. To gather readers’ own lived realizations (note: this is not a dumping ground for emotional grievances—shallow complaints is Nothing).

Summary as follows:

1. Truth is Simple – The closer you get to genuine understanding, the more pure and concise it becomes. If you truly grasp something at its core, you can explain it clearly in a single sentence—no convoluted detours needed.
2. Align Thought & Action – Focus on mindful execution of your duties; good outcomes follow naturally. Avoid overcomplicating with petty schemes.
3. Bold Action, Careful Refinement – Experiment courageously (within ethical bounds), but validate with rigor and decisive judgment.
4. Kindness Opens Doors – A cheerful demeanor attracts fortune and fosters connections that ease life’s path.
5. (To be expanded...)