Xunzi's 'Jiebi' (Dispelling Obscuration): On the Wholeness of the Dao, Cognitive Limitation, and the Blessing of Unobscured Vision
This article offers an in-depth reading of the 'Jiebi' chapter of the Xunzi, exploring the cognitive roots of the 'calamity of obscuration' among the pre-Qin thinkers. Through an analysis of 'the Dao embodies constancy and encompasses all change,' it reveals the predicament of human cognition clinging to 'a single corner,' and elucidates the transcendent value of Confucius's 'benevolence and wisdom, unobscured,' with the aim of understanding how to overcome cognitive bias.
Chapter Six: The Obscuration of Master Shen Buhai — Obscured by Positional Power and Not Knowing Wisdom
"Master Shen Buhai was obscured by positional power and did not know wisdom" (Shen Zi bi yu shi er bu zhi zhi).
Master Shen Buhai emphasized "technique" (shu) — the ruler's arts of controlling ministers — grounded in "positional power" (shi). Master Xun's critique: power is merely the condition for exercising authority, not the guarantee of exercising it correctly. Without wisdom, power becomes a tool of destructive political gaming.
"Define the Dao in terms of power, and all you get is expedience" (You shi wei zhi dao, jin bian yi).
The Xi Ci Xia provides the perfect commentary: "When virtue is slight but position exalted, when wisdom is small but ambition great, when strength is slight but responsibility heavy — seldom is disaster avoided."