A Critical Analysis of 'Shen' and 'Zhi' in the Core Passages of the Guanzi's 'Nei Ye' and an Inquiry into Pre-Qin Theories of Mind and Nature
This paper offers an in-depth interpretation of the central passage in the *Guanzi*'s 'Nei Ye'—'That which can transform one thing is called *Shen* (Spirit/Divine); that which can change one affair is called *Zhi* (Wisdom)'—systematically reviewing the philosophical concepts of *Shen*, *Zhi*, *Jing* (Essence), *Qi* (Vital Force), and the *Dao* in the Pre-Qin period to elucidate their pivotal role in self-cultivation and the integration of inner sageliness with outer kingship.
Section 2: Why can "One Word" cause the "World to Submit" and "Listen"$26
This is a question that demands deeper inquiry. How can a single utterance cause the entire world to submit and listen$27 Is this not hyperbole$28
The answer lies in the character "Gōng" (Impartiality/Public).
The reason "one word" can cause the world to submit and listen is not because the word is ornate or powerful, but because that word conforms to the public principle (Gōng lǐ). A word conforming to the public principle is the public word of the world. The world naturally submits to and listens to the public word because it speaks forth the principle that everyone recognizes internally.
This is akin to the Laozi, Chapter 47, stating: "Without leaving the door, one knows the world." The reason the Sage can know the world without leaving his door is not because he possesses clairvoyance or clairaudience, but because he has grasped the "One" (the fundamental law of the Dao), and this law is what all things in the world commonly follow. A word spoken based on this law is naturally the public word of the world, and the world naturally submits to it.