Xunzi's 'Jie Bi' (Unveiling Concealment): On the Wholeness of the Dao, Cognitive Limitation, and the Fortune of Being Unobstructed
This paper offers an in-depth interpretation of the 'Jie Bi' chapter in Xunzi, investigating the epistemological origins of the 'calamity of obstruction' described by the Pre-Qin philosophers. By analyzing the concept that 'the Dao is constant in its entirety yet utterly transformative,' the essay reveals the dilemma of human cognition being fixated on 'a single corner' and elucidates the transcendental value of Confucius's 'benevolence and wisdom unhindered,' aiming to understand how to escape cognitive bias.
Section 4: The Relationship Between Power and Wisdom in Ancient Legends—Taking Emperor Shun as an Example
In ancient legends, the best illustration of the relationship between power and wisdom is the story of Emperor Shun.
Before being selected by Emperor Yao, Emperor Shun was merely a commoner. He possessed no "Power" (Shi) but had exceptional "Wisdom" (Zhi) and virtue. What Emperor Yao valued was Shun’s "Wisdom" (intelligence and virtue), not his "Power" (authority and position). In fact, Shun initially had no "Power"—his authority and status were granted only after Yao confirmed his "Wisdom."
This illustrates a fundamental principle: "Wisdom" is the prerequisite for "Power"; "Power" is the tool of "Wisdom." Only with "Wisdom" can one correctly use "Power"; without "Wisdom," "Power" is a sharp blade without a master, ready to harm its owner at any moment.
In the Shang Shu, "Da Yu Mo," Shun tells Yu the Great:
"Only virtue moves Heaven, reaching everywhere without limit. Over-fullness invites loss, modesty earns benefit; this is the way of Heaven." (惟德动天，无远弗届。满招损，谦受益，时乃天道。)
"Only virtue moves Heaven" means that true strength comes from "Virtue" (which includes "Wisdom"), not from "Power." A virtuous and wise person, even temporarily lacking power, can still have influence that "reaches everywhere without limit." A powerful person lacking virtue and wisdom has a false, transient influence. Furthermore, "Over-fullness invites loss, modesty earns benefit." Master Shenzi's "obstruction by Power" is a form of "fullness"—complacency with the strength of authority, believing that having power guarantees success. But "fullness invites loss"—over-reliance on power invites disaster. Only by centering on "Wisdom" and practicing humility and continuous learning can one "benefit"—achieving true, lasting governance.