An Analysis of 'Shen' and 'Zhi' in the Core Passage of Guanzi: Neiye, and an Inquiry into Pre-Qin Philosophy of Mind and Human Nature
This article offers a deep reading of the core passage in the Guanzi: Neiye — 'That which can transform a single thing is called shen (spirit); that which can adapt to a single affair is called zhi (wisdom)' — systematically tracing the philosophical categories of shen, zhi, jing, qi, and dao in the pre-Qin era, elucidating their pivotal role in the cultivation of mind and character and in the Way of inner sageliness and outer kingliness, striving to recover the original intent of the ancients.
Chapter Six: "One Word Rightly Spoken and All Under Heaven Submits; One Word Firmly Set and All Under Heaven Heeds -- This Is Called Impartiality"
"One word" can make all under Heaven submit not because of its eloquence but because it accords with the public principle (gong li). A word that accords with public principle articulates a truth every person recognizes.
Chapter 16 of the Laozi traces the chain: knowing the constant -> tolerance -> impartiality (gong) -> completeness -> heaven -> the Dao -> endurance. Gong is the hinge from tolerance to completeness.
The Lushi chunqiu: Gui gong says: "All under Heaven is not one person's all under Heaven; it is the all under Heaven of all under Heaven."
The inner connection: "Holding to the One" naturally leads to gong; gong naturally attains the One. "Holding to the One" is the inner practice; gong is its outward political manifestation.