Ancient Philosophy - Wen Zi Chapter 39 - 'To Use the Mind'

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Video Transcription:

"To use the mind for purposes of pride or aggrandizement is like a gusty wind or a violent storm; it cannot last long.
Therefore sages control this by means of the Way, holding to unity, contriving nothing, and thus not diminishing harmonious energy."

From Grok:

"Wen Zi (文子)

Overview:
The "Wen Zi" or "Wenzi" is an ancient Chinese text attributed to a figure named Wenzi, who is traditionally considered a disciple of Laozi, the legendary author of the "Dao De Jing" (Tao Te Ching). The text itself is associated with Daoism, one of the major philosophical and religious traditions in China. However, unlike the widely recognized Daoist classics like the Dao De Jing or the Zhuangzi, Wen Zi has not received as much attention or preservation, and its authenticity and influence have been subjects of scholarly debate.

Textual Description:
The "Wen Zi" is structured into several chapters, with the exact number varying in different versions, but typically around ten. Here's a brief overview of its content:

Philosophical Daoism: The text delves into Daoist philosophy, emphasizing themes like the Dao (the Way), simplicity, non-action (wu wei), and naturalness. It explores how these principles apply to governance, personal life, and nature.
Influence of Other Schools: While rooted in Daoism, "Wen Zi" also shows influences from Confucianism, Legalism, and other contemporary schools of thought. This synthesis suggests an attempt to bridge or harmonize different philosophical currents prevalent in ancient China.
Ethics and Politics: Much of the text focuses on the ideal ruler and statecraft, promoting virtues like humility, moderation, and harmonizing with the natural order of the Dao. It advises rulers to govern with minimal interference, allowing natural processes to unfold.
Cosmology: There's an exploration of the universe's workings, often aligning with Daoist cosmology where everything emerges from and returns to the Dao."