Ten Sages
Each with a worldview that disagrees with the others.
For the successful who feel hollow.
“The Way that can be spoken is not the eternal Way.”
For the man caught between roles.
“At fifteen, I set my heart on learning. At seventy, I followed my heart without crossing the line.”
For those who refuse to look away.
“Within you flows a vast moral spirit. The people come before the ruler.”
For the skeptic who has lost the joke.
“Absolute spiritual freedom. The equality of all things. Follow the natural flow.”
For the founder at war.
“War is the way of deception. Subdue the enemy without fighting.”
For builders and engineers.
“Universal love. Oppose aggressive war. Frugality in all things.”
For those who build themselves daily.
“Human nature is rough by birth. Only ritual and learning shape it.”
For when good people fail you.
“Law, technique, authority. A ruler relies on system, not goodness.”
For negotiators and dealmakers.
“Persuasion and strategy. Open and close. Read the heart before you speak.”
Money first, virtue second.
“A strong nation rests on full granaries. When people have enough, they understand ritual.”