Zhang Zhidong (1837-1909), courtesy name Xiaoda and literary name Xiangtao, was a prominent statesman, military leader, and one of the most influential figures of the Self-Strengthening Movement during the late Qing Dynasty. Hailing from Nanpi in today’s Hebei Province, he was often mentioned alongside Zeng Guofan, Li Hongzhang, and Zuo Zongtang as one of the “Four Eminent Officials of the Late Qing Revival.”
Zhang Zhidong held several key positions throughout his career, including provincial education commissioner, governor, and viceroy. While serving as Viceroy of Liangguang and later Lianghu, he actively promoted modernization through industrial, military, and educational reforms. His most well-known ideological stance was “Chinese learning as the foundation, Western learning for practical use.”
Under his leadership, modern enterprises such as the Hubei Bureau of Mines and Metallurgy, the Hanyang Ironworks, and the Hubei Arsenal were established. He also founded the Lianghu Academy, the predecessor of Wuhan University, shaping the future of Chinese higher education.
A prodigious talent from a young age
Zhang Zhidong’s brilliance was evident early on. During one examination, the chief examiner challenged the candidates to complete a poetic couplet. The first line was: “The Yangtze River stands first among the four great waters.” Many struggled to come up with a fitting response, but Zhang promptly replied: “Among ten thousand mountains, Mount Tai stands supreme.”
His response not only matched the form and rhythm but elevated the imagery, pairing the Yangtze River with the majestic Mount Tai. Impressed by his literary flair and command of classical structure, the examiner believed Zhang Zhidong would become a man of great accomplishment.
Respecting tradition while embracing reform
While inspecting Wudang Mountain during his term as Viceroy of Lianghu, Zhang Zhidong came across a Qing Dynasty stone inscription that read: “Wudang, a blessed land forever reliant on imperial grace.” Shaking his head, he remarked: “Wudang owes its prosperity to Taoist culture, not imperial favor.”
With a few strokes of his brush, he modified the inscription to: “Wudang, a blessed land forever reliant on the Dark Heaven (Xuantian).” His revision honored local spiritual beliefs while avoiding excessive flattery of the emperor — showcasing both cultural sensitivity and political wisdom.
His lifelong philosophy: Balance and practicality
Zhang Zhidong’s guiding principles can be summed up in four key ideas: “Chinese essence, Western application; industrial development for national salvation; loyalty to the sovereign; and emphasis on talent and education.” In his influential work, Exhortation to Learning, he wrote: “Base our foundation on Chinese moral teachings, and supplement them with techniques that bring wealth and strength from other nations.”
He applied this philosophy in education by integrating classical Confucian teachings with Western sciences at the Lianghu Academy. This holistic approach laid the groundwork for China’s modern education system and nurtured a generation of students equipped with both traditional values and modern knowledge.
Zhang Zhidong also played a major role in modernizing China’s military, resisting foreign encroachment, and establishing key industries. While he couldn’t single-handedly change the course of the collapsing Qing Dynasty, his efforts left a meaningful impact. His success was tied not only to his pragmatism, but also to a personal creed he called the “Three No-Contests.”
The wisdom of the ‘Three No-Contests’
Zhang Zhidong’s personal motto was to avoid three types of conflict:
- Do not compete for profit with unprincipled people.
- Do not compete for reputation with men of letters.
- Do not argue with unreasonable people.
This simple yet profound philosophy shaped both his public service and private conduct. By avoiding unnecessary contention, he maintained clarity and focus on his greater goals.
Do not compete for profit with unprincipled people
Zhang Zhidong believed that vying for material gain with unscrupulous individuals was a waste of energy. Such people often prioritize self-interest at the expense of morality and can drag others into endless disputes, draining time, energy, and peace of mind.
Time and mental focus are limited. Constantly getting entangled in petty competition distracts from meaningful pursuits. Wise and virtuous individuals understand this and devote themselves to goals of higher value.
Do not compete for reputation with men of letters
Zhang Zhidong respected scholars, but he understood that some within intellectual circles become deeply attached to their reputations. He cautioned against competing with them over titles or recognition, understanding that such contests could become intense and even divisive.
Throughout history, scholars sought fame through civil examinations, literary accomplishments, and political roles. When the pursuit of prestige becomes excessive, it can give rise to conflict and jealousy, undermining unity and purpose.
Do not argue with unreasonable people
Zhang Zhidong used the term “unreasonable people” to describe those who are not worth debating — people who provoke arguments for the sake of it or who lack the insight to engage in meaningful dialogue. Trying to “prove yourself” to such individuals only leads to emotional exhaustion and unproductive arguments.
Instead of wasting energy on pointless quarrels, Zhang advocated for focusing on personal growth, cherishing family and friends, and striving toward one’s true aspirations.
His “Three No-Contests” reflect a mindset of detachment, tolerance, and practicality. By not competing for wealth, fame, or petty victories, one avoids unnecessary stress and preserves peace of mind — freeing up time and energy for life’s more meaningful pursuits.
Five guiding principles for education and personal development
In Exhortation to Learning, Zhang Zhidong laid out his five principles of knowledge — a set of educational and moral principles he believed were essential for China’s survival and revitalization. These were: know shame, know fear, know change, know what is essential, and know your roots.
- Know shame and fear: Zhang Zhidong encouraged people to clearly recognize the difficult international climate China was facing in his time. By cultivating a sense of shame over the country’s weaknesses and fear of national decline, he believed citizens would be motivated to strengthen themselves and work toward national renewal.
- Know change: He stressed the importance of adapting to the times. Rather than clinging rigidly to the past, Zhang Zhidong urged students and officials alike to observe global trends, learn from other nations, and respond to change with insight and flexibility.
- Know what is essential: In education, Zhang believed it was crucial to prioritize substance over form. In Chinese learning, he argued that practical application should take precedence over purely academic or antiquarian interests. In Western learning, the focus should not rest solely on technical skills but also on governance, legal systems, and the principles that made other nations strong.
- Know your roots: Even as he encouraged the adoption of new knowledge and ideas from the West, Zhang emphasized staying grounded in one’s cultural identity. He believed that even when studying abroad or encountering foreign customs, one must not forget one’s homeland, family, and moral foundation.
Zhang Zhidong’s legacy lies not only in his political achievements but also in his timeless approach to personal conduct and education. His life serves as a reminder that real strength often comes from knowing when not to fight — and where to place your energy instead.
Translated by Joseph Wu
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