Navigating Turbulent Times: The Wisdom of Min Ziqian

6-9 When the Ji Clan made Min Ziqian(1) zai for Fei(2), Min Ziqian said, “Good for me! If there is a return to me(3), then I shall be in Wenshang(4).”

[Commentary

(1) Min Ziqian: Surname Min name loss, the word Ziqian, a native of Lu, a student of Confucius, 15 years younger than Confucius.

(2) Fei: pronounced mì, a fief of the Ji clan, in the area northwest of Fei County in present-day Shandong Province.

(3) Resume me: to summon me again.

(4) Wenshang: wen, pronounced wèn, the name of water, i.e., the Da Wen River in present-day Shandong, which at that time flowed between Qi and Lu. In Wenshang, it means to leave Lu to go to Qi.

[Translation

When Ji sent to ask Min Ziqian to become governor of Feiyi, Min Ziqian said (to the man who came to ask him), “Please excuse yourself well for me! If I am summoned again, then I must run over to the waters of Wen.”

[Commentary

Zhu Xi, a Confucian scholar of the Song Dynasty, greatly appreciated Min Ziqian’s approach, saying: in a chaotic world, encountering evil people in power, “just will take the trouble, soft will take the humiliation,” that is, hard to touch or submit to be victimized, but also just and soft, just and soft, to cope with the situation, and to preserve the strength. This attitude is a wise philosophy of dealing with the world, as it is the only way to live in a chaotic world without being alarmed, and not to be humiliated when encountering an evil person.

In ancient China, during a period marked by political instability and the dominance of corrupt officials, Min Ziqian, a disciple of Confucius, displayed a profound understanding of how to navigate such turbulent times. His wisdom and strategic thinking offer valuable lessons that resonate even today.

The Context

Min Ziqian, whose personal name was Min Sun, was a native of the State of Lu and a student of Confucius. He was well-known for his virtue and integrity. The story in question involves an incident where the powerful Ji family, who wielded considerable influence in Lu, attempted to appoint Min Ziqian as the governor of a town called Fei.

The Dilemma

Upon receiving the offer, Min Ziqian responded with a request to politely decline the position. He remarked, “Please kindly refuse the offer on my behalf. Should they insist on summoning me again, I shall be found across the Wen River,” implying he would leave the state to avoid the appointment.

The Analysis

The reaction of Min Ziqian can be understood through the lens of Confucian philosophy and the socio-political environment of the time. According to Zhu Xi, a prominent Song dynasty scholar, Min Ziqian’s response was exemplary. Zhu Xi praised Min Ziqian for his ability to navigate a corrupt political environment without compromising his principles or facing undue harm.

Strategic Wisdom

Min Ziqian’s strategy can be broken down into several key principles:

Avoid Direct Confrontation: In a corrupt and volatile political landscape, direct confrontation with those in power often leads to disaster. Min Ziqian chose to avoid the position rather than directly oppose the Ji family, thereby sidestepping potential retribution.

Maintain Integrity: By refusing the appointment, Min Ziqian upheld his principles and avoided the moral compromises that would have come with serving a corrupt regime.

Strategic Withdrawal: His statement about crossing the Wen River highlights the importance of strategic withdrawal. Sometimes, the best course of action is to remove oneself from a harmful situation entirely.

Balancing Firmness and Flexibility: Min Ziqian’s approach reflects a balance between firmness and flexibility. He stood firm in his refusal, yet he was flexible enough to avoid direct conflict, embodying the Confucian ideal of being both resolute and adaptable.

Relevance Today

Min Ziqian’s story is more than just a historical anecdote; it offers timeless lessons. In modern contexts, whether in business, politics, or personal relationships, the ability to navigate challenging situations with integrity and strategic thinking remains crucial. Avoiding unnecessary confrontations, maintaining one’s principles, and knowing when to withdraw are strategies that can lead to long-term success and stability.