How does one reacts, when he sees the world as it truly is, beyond control, complex as it is, and where things are presented to one often not by choice but by luck. How does one face the future and what does one strive for, when one sees his own actions as futile, and has little influence on the state of the world?
In ancient China, during the warring era, there was a very famous strategist, Gui Guzi (Sage of the Ghost Valley). He had cultivated two disciples, Su Qin and Zhang Yi, both equally capable. In those days, there are seven great nations. Qin was the strongest and the other six were becoming weaken due to weak leadership. Su Qin and Zhang Yi were about to make their mark within these seven nations. Su Qin, being rejected at Qin, worked for the other six nations, laying out a brillant plan and convinced the six nation to unite against the Qin. Qin was terrified. Using this opportunity, Zhang Yi presents himself to them and presented the strategy of disintegrating the alliance. Zhang Yi was welcomed into Qin and became the Premiere. Under Zhang Yi's diplomatic brilliance taking advantage of the Six Nations' weaknesses, the alliance was broken. Qin united China years after.
Is Zhang Yi better than Su Qin? Without Su Qin's success, Qin will not use Zhang Yi. Without Su Qin's brillance, Zhang Yi has no place to show his brilliance. In fact, once Su Qin failed, Zhang Yi did not keep his place for very long. If Qin had accepted Su Qin in the first place, Su Qin would be the one becoming the Premiere, and Zhang Yi would have to work for the other six nations. What is brilliance and what is luck?
Knowing this, the wise may live out his days knowing that chaos and dependency is the rule of the world, knowing that they also being beautiful surprises, and be weary of the not so pleasant things.
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