Life Advice From the Old Master
A healthy dose of Chinese philosophy
Plato, Aristotle, Marx, Machiavelli — these are just some of the philosophers you’ve probably heard of. Whilst their ideas have had a huge impact on the history of western philosophy, looking into the more obscure aspects of our past can be just as interesting.
Back in the sixth century BC, there was a Chinese philosopher called Laozi. Though we know little about his life, historians believe he worked in an imperial archive and was known as the Old Master.
His ideas have been preserved in Tao Te Ching, and all these years later, the Old Master’s teachings are still a goldmine of wisdom.
Humility and Competence
The Old Master emphasizes humility throughout Tao Te Ching. Whilst respecting ourselves is important, glorifying our achievements isn’t an attractive trait.
Those who boast aren’t competent — they’re arrogant. They’re trying to make up for their lack of skills by telling others how great they are:
“Those who praise themselves have no merit. Those who boast about themselves do not last.” — Tao Te Ching, the Old Master
Humility, on the other hand, is a sign of competence. The humble person doesn’t feel the need to big themselves up…
