Zeng Guofan came from a farmer’s family, yet he was able to achieve the ranks of nobility and high office. As a mere scholar, he repeatedly achieved military success. He held great power throughout the country, yet he met a peaceful end. This success was rooted in his unique approach to dealing with matters focusing on patience, decisiveness, and stability.
Patience in times of challenge
Su Xun, an ancient Chinese thinker, once said: “A single act of patience can subdue a hundred acts of bravery, and stillness can control a hundred movements.” For accomplishing tasks, patience is essential; for seeking perfection, you must endure hardships. Enduring cold, heat, hunger, and thirst may seem easy compared to bearing troubles and humiliations, which require personal effort and cultivation. The hardest thing in the world is often to “hold one’s breath.” Zeng Guofan believed that everything should be approached with tolerance. If you cannot control your emotions in difficult situations, they will be controlled by them. Enduring a moment of anger can prevent a hundred days of sorrow. Thinking this way naturally turns conflict into peace.
In the Daoist classic Zhuangzi, it is mentioned that there is a bird in the Eastern Sea called the “Idle-Hearted” bird. It does not vie for the lead when flying or scramble for food, settling for leftovers from other birds. This patience not only helps it to avoid conflict with other birds, but also allows it to gain their protection, leading to a life of ease and safety.
Zeng Guofan was decisive in decision-making
Decision-making steers the course of events. Those who accomplish great things are adept at aligning their strategies with the situation. Some fail because they waver and cannot make firm decisions. The more one fears loss, the more likely they are to lose. Doubts and fears can cloud judgment. Just as nature cycles through growth and decay, human affairs involve gains and losses. Seizing opportunities and acting decisively is crucial. Otherwise, missed chances and regret may follow.
Zeng Guofan had foresight and decisiveness. He dared to think and do what others could not. When asked about indecision, he advised: “First calm down, then think it over, and act when there is a fifty to sixty percent chance of success.” This is the essence of decisiveness.
Stability in actions
Stability is the key to avoiding disaster. As The Art of War by Sun Tzu states: “The plan for stability lies in avoiding haste.” Some rush to resolve issues immediately, only to create more chaos. “Haste makes waste” aptly describes this. Wise people observe carefully, arrange their tactics cleverly, and understand situations deeply. They patiently prepare and then strike decisively.
In his early days of leading troops, Zeng Guofan resolved to use only the best ships and cannons, even if it meant paying a high price for imports. He refused to launch a campaign without fully equipped and sturdy ships and cannons. In a letter to a friend, he wrote: “A blunt sword cannot cut, and a bird with sparse feathers cannot fly high. I would rather delay and not fight than venture out and not win.” Seeking quick success can lead to failure, and rushing for glory can lead to traps.
Translated by Joseph Wu
