Sometimes in life, you may have questions like this: "I am truly diligent and selfless, focusing only on my own work, so why do those around me keep an eye on me?"
Or, "Why does society trust people who are moderately materialistic more?"
The answer can surprisingly be found in the story of Wang Jian, a famous general of the Qin Dynasty who ended the Warring States period in China 2,000 years ago.
It was when Qin Shi Huang was on the verge of unifying the world.
Wang Jian, entrusted with the crucial mission of conquering the State of Chu, began clinging to the King even before he set out. "Your Majesty, even if I achieve great merit this time, I will not expect a high position later. Instead, please secure fertile land and a house for my children to live on in advance." The King smiled and told him not to worry, but Wang Jeon did not stop. Even on the way to the battlefield, he frequently sent envoys to confirm again, saying, "You haven't forgotten the land you promised back then, have you? Please provide good land." His subordinates felt ashamed. "General, others point fingers at you, calling you greedy. Why are you so attached to wealth?"
At that moment, the inner thoughts Wang Jian quietly revealed were chillingly cold-blooded.
"The King is very suspicious. Right now, I hold an army of 600,000, which is practically the entire fortune of the State of Qin.If I were to say, 'I fight only for the country and have no greed,' the King would instead suspect that I am dreaming of rebellion.
But if I show that I am obsessed with land and wealth, the King would be relieved, thinking, 'That fellow is just a snob who wants to spend his old age comfortably.'"
We are commonly taught that 'integrity' is the highest value, but in organizational life or the business world, a 'person whose true intentions are completely unfathomable' is often regarded as the most dangerous.
In both the West and Korea, there is a tendency to appoint heads of households or those with families to support to public office or important positions.
This is not because the person is inherently good. It stems from the belief that someone with assets to protect and a family will not recklessly engage in dangerous gambling or betrayal because 'they have something to lose.'
A person with no greed, hobbies, or weaknesses makes those around them uneasy.
The question, "What on earth is that person working so hard for?" quickly turns into wariness.
On the other hand, a moderate fondness for good restaurants, fervent desire to buy a home, and concern for one's children's education provides the other person with a sense of reassurance that one is a 'predictable human type.'
Wang Jian willingly put on the mask of a 'greedy old man' for the sake of his own life and the well-being of his family. This is not servility, but highly strategic humility.
The more outstanding my abilities are, the more threatened those around me (or my superiors) feel.
In this situation, transparently revealing my human desires is the fastest way to break down the other person's guard.
Stable assets are a mental support: Wang Jian's demand for land was also due to the sense of stability provided by actual physical assets.
A person with strong roots (property, family, foundation) does not waver. The reason society trusts such a person is that he is firmly bound within the system.
It is far more advantageous for survival to be perceived as having 'human greed' rather than falling into the trap of 'suspicion' while trying to appear morally perfect.
The lesson from Wang Jian's anecdote is not "be greedy." It is "provide a justification for others to trust you."
To ensure that the great wisdom and abilities you possess do not become a threat to others, you need the wisdom to sometimes embrace yourself with a humble and human side.
Are you trying too hard to appear perfect right now? Could it be that the people around you are unable to approach you because of that perfection?
Occasionally, subtly showing that "I have these small desires too" will make you a more trustworthy person.
