A Dialectical Analysis of the Tripartite Qualities of 'Dao' in the Guanzi: Intricacy, Expansion, and Solidity

II. Why is the Power of Qi's Resonance So Potent$35

We must ask: Why does the mere goodness or badness of "Qi" produce such immense effects$36 "More intimate than siblings," "more harmful than enemy soldiers"—these are extreme comparisons. Why does Neiye make such extreme comparisons$37

The answer lies in a core concept of pre-Qin Qi theory: Qi is the medium through which all things resonate and connect.

I Ching, "Appended Phrases," Part I, states: "The I Ching is without thought, without action; silent and still, it responds and then connects with the affairs of all under Heaven." "Responds and then connects" (感而遂通, gǎn ér suì tōng)—response and connection are immediate, direct, and without intermediate steps. And the medium for this resonance is precisely Qi.

I Ching, "Commentary on the Hexagram Xian" (咸卦·彖傳): "Xian means response. The Yin is above and the Yang is below; the two Qi respond and interact... When Heaven and Earth respond, all things are transformed and born; when the sage responds to the human mind, all under Heaven is at peace. Observing what is responded to, the feelings of Heaven, Earth, and all things can be seen." "Two Qi respond and interact" (二氣感應以相與, èrqì gǎnyìng yǐ xiāng yǔ)—the resonance between Heaven and Earth relies on Qi.

Therefore, when a person approaches another with "good Qi," their Qi forms a harmonious resonance with the other's Qi. This resonance is immediate, deep, and irresistible—more intimate than kinship (siblings) because kinship is external and fixed, while Qi resonance is internal and present.

Conversely, when a person approaches another with "bad Qi," their Qi enters into conflict and opposition with the other's Qi. This conflict is more harmful than military confrontation because military confrontation harms the body, while Qi conflict harms the spirit, the mind, and the most fundamental human relationships.