Quotations of Steven Zheng

**Compiled by Tao Steven Zheng (鄭濤)**

## **On Learning**

Students and teachers are all learners: students need to learn how to learn; teachers need to learn how to teach. [2020-05-03]

Learn to think first; acquiring knowledge will be easier after. [2021-06-01]

How does one become better at writing? Well, it depends on what type of writing you plan to do. Business, technical, and scientific writing needs to be concise and to the point. Academic writing, especially in the Arts faculty, needs to be elaborate and pretentious. Literature on the other hand needs to be unique and captivating. [2021-06-11]

Not knowing something yet believing that you know it is the root of all ruin. [2021-06-12]

先学后内求，内求必下功夫。格物、修练、理解、得知、悟道，此为学习之过程。[2021-06-17]

Learn and then seek the principles from within. Seeking the principles from within requires right concentration and effort. Observation, practice, understanding, acquiring knowledge, and realizing the truth; this is the process of good learning.  [2021-06-17]

It is not enough to study and master what you are expected to learn. That is just scratching the surface. Only after mastering the basics do you realize how little you actually know. Only after you have started teaching do you realize how difficult it is to explain even the fundamentals of the subject! Knowing that your knowledge is far from enough, will you make a resolution to continue learning. Knowing that teaching is a challenging task, will you make a resolution to improve. Thus, we should learn to teach and teach to learn. [2021-08-04]

How do we know anything about our mistakes if we do not seek change from within? [2022-01-23]

A great teacher is a coach, a mentor, a motivator, and a friend all-in-one! [2022-07-26]

Education without philosophy is a lost cause. [2022-08-02]

An enlightened mind is aware of its capacities and its limitations. [2022-08-05]

Knowing what you have learned is one thing; putting what you have learned into practice is another. [2022-08-05]

Observe, learn and practice respect, honesty, patience, and responsibility every day. [2022-08-16]

One does not get others to read books merely by telling them to read. Give them an entertaining and insightful book, and they will read the book all by themselves. [2023-03-14]

What you say is correct for most guys today. Society and the economy has become a prohibitively tall wall for young people to climb (especially young men). When the society (the system) is sick, find a way to distance yourself from the system. Instead of being a slave to the system, which is what we were conditioned and programmed to do, work on yourself and build your own system to self-mastery and self-reliance. Get good at something you like to do and become a wizard. This is easier said than done, for there are too many options to choose and we all are given a limited time here on Earth. But it is possible with enough patience, discipline, and the awareness of one's strengths and weaknesses. Learn from failures and experiment until you find success. Most people are too afraid to take the first step beacuse there are many paths of uncertainty. However, the first step is what takes you on a journey to greater discoveries! [2023-12-09]

## **On Art**

What is the purpose of art? At an individual level, art is where we find our true selves. At the societal level, art is a reflection of society. [2021-05-30]

Art requires much patience and discipline; most people are too distracted by the pursuit of wealth and pleasure to do art. [2021-05-30]

Style is you caring what you think; fashion is you caring what others think. [2021-05-30]

## **On Ming Xue/Myung Hak**

I have been trying to construct a philosophy and way of life that combines Daoism, Neo-Confucianism, and Zen Buddhism with modern science. To understand the universe and ourselves, we need to combine our knowledge of modern science with Daoist metaphysics, Buddhist psychology and the praxis of Zhu Xi's rationalist school as well as Wang Yangming's school of mind. [2020-03-15]

I have distilled two activities that I think are important to learn and practice: mathematics (算術) and meditation (心術). Mathematics trains logical thinking and argumentation, as well as the investigation of things through pattern recognition and seeking properties. This is in accordance with Zhu Xi's (朱熹) interpretation of gewu zhizhi (格物致知). Mathematics allows us to discover eternal transcendental truths that also helps us understand objective reality. Meditation allows us to reflect on our thoughts, behaviour, and feelings. It is essentially applied philosophy and psychology in the spirit of Wang Yangming (王陽明). With meditation we can properly look inward, into our subjective consciousness and subconsciousness. It helps us stay connected with the Dao (道) and focus on obtaining good knowledge (良知). [2020-03-15]

Concentrate on two activities of the mind: mathematics (算術) and meditation (心術). In accordance with Zhu Xi's (朱熹) interpretation of gewu zhizhi (格物致知), mathematics trains us to rationally investigate the patterns and relations found in objective reality. In the spirit of Wang Yangming (王陽明), meditation trains us to properly observe our subjective reality. Both activities help us connect with the Dao (道) and focus on obtaining proper innate knowledge (良知).

What type of existence are you referring to? What kind of truth? Is it Dao 道 or is it Li 理, is it Fa 法 or is it Wu 物? [2020-03-17]

The four categories of existence are:

*Dao* (lit. “Path”) refers to the underlying **natural order of objective reality**, which can only be understood by the human consciousness to a certain level of approximation.

*Li* (lit. “Reason”) are the **rational principles** that can be ascertained by the human mind through reason.

*Fa* (lit. “Method”) are the **mental constructs** of individual consciousness and collective consciousness.

*Wu* (lit. “Matter”) is the collective term for all **observables** (matter and natural information) in reality. [2020-03-17]

学好道、理、法、物四学合一：先格物，二修法，三析理，四知道。[2020-04-29]

How to effectively learn the four studies of *Dao*（道）, *Li*（理）, *Fa*（法）, *Wu*（物）: Begin with observation, then construct a method, then explain the principle, then understand the *Dao*. [2020-04-29]

定名修法，观变察机，析理悟道，虚实分明。[2021-08-05]

Define the notions and craft the methods; observe the change and investigate the mechanism; explain the reason (rational principle) and realize the Dao (cosmic principle); be able to differentiate truth from falsity. [2021-08-05]

I developed this view that matter and mind (material and consciousness) are two sides of the same coin. Both are fundamental elements of existence. My definition of consciousness is not based on the ability to perceive internal (mental) and external (material) existence, but rather, the processing of information. Simple particles such as atoms and molecules technically have consciousness by processing what I call "natural information"(energy, momentum, charge). Natural information is more fundamental than matter, for it is carried by matter and transformed by material interactions. As material structures get more and more complex, greater information processing is actualized. Our minds with its faculties for perceptions, thoughts, memories, and feelings are advanced forms of information processing. Our minds are "higher degrees of consciousness". [2021-09-28]

All truths return to the Dao, the supreme cosmic principle of all existence. The Dao has no form, yet it generates all that has form. The Dao does not feel, yet it binds all consciousness. The Dao does not speak, yet it commands all motions, actions, and change in the cosmos. Primitive, natural, and transcendental, the Dao pervades everything, everywhere, at all times. [2021-10-09]

## **On Daoism**

What is Daoism? Is it a philosophy? It can be. Is it a religion? It can be. I think Daoism is better defined as the Traditional Chinese Cosmology. The Dao is not a personal god; it is an impersonal natural order. The Dao is Nature and the Universe; continually changing (flux) and unfolding (trajectory). [2022-09-22]

## **On Mathematics**

Mathematics is central to human civilization, for every intellectual discipline free from the hypocritical nature of politics will be inspired by its essence. This 'essence' is expression, or, the representation of forms and notions. As cultures exploit the expressive powers of mathematics, mathematics will in turn alter the culture forever. [2014-07-21]

To learn how to solve a problem, one must understand the problem. To understand the problem, one must know its principles. To know its principles, one must investigate the reasons. To investigate the reasons, one must ask the right questions. To ask the right questions, one must have eliminated the wrong questions. [2014-07-21]

Mathematics is a scientific metaphysical system; theology is an unscientific metaphysical system. [2020-03-17]

Why must we learn mathematics? Not only is mathematics useful, it is real, beautiful, and true. Mathematics is the essential language of computing, commerce, nature, and the cosmos. The more we understand mathematics, the more we understand reality! [2021-06-21]

Is mathematics discovered or invented? I'd say mathematical properties are discovered; the mathematical language in which we use to explain and discover is invented. [2021-06-21]

The heart of mathematics is not calculation; it is problem solving. Reason is the main tool; calculation is a means to the answer. [2022-09-20]

Problem solving begins with observation, followed by visualization, and finally understanding. Deliberate practice of problems solving is the way to mastery. [2022-09-20]

Mathematics is the exact science of abstract relations. [2023-01-22]

## **On Science**

The pursuit of science gives us the power to reveal certain truths about physical reality; science thereby helps us paint a better picture of the universe. [2021-08-01]

Science does not deliver the absolute truth; it contains certain elements of the truth. [2021-08-02]

Every time we think we are getting close to understanding the universe with our logic, the universe throws in new puzzles for us to solve by revealing its illogical nature! [2022-05-29]

We cannot understand the observed matter without examining it with our minds. [2024-01-12].

## **On Human Nature**

Is human nature good or evil? This is an age-old question in philosophy and life. Many great thinkers and spiritual leaders have argued in favour of either side. Yet perhaps the question "is human nature is good or evil" is not an important question at all. It is more likely the case that human nature is both good and evil, and this is a matter of perspective. For most people, what is deemed "good" is the collection of thoughts and actions that are beneficial to the well-being of the individual or the collective; what is deemed "evil" is the collection of thought and actions that are detrimental to the well-being of the individual or the collective. [2020-03-21]

Our subconscious is governed by our "primitive nature". It is evolutionarily hardwired to select and act upon the "principle of greatest benefit" and the "principle of least action". In fact, the principle of greatest benefit and the principle of least action govern the decisions and actions of human beings on a daily basis. In most cases, these two principles are very useful to humans; but if gone too far, they can turn into "greed" and "sloth". [2020-03-21]

If our primitive nature is utilized for only self-benefit in the short-term, while being detrimental to the self (or even the collective) in the long-term, it can lead to all sorts of problems. Problems that that lead to an individual to exhibit self-destructive behaviour is called anomie. Problems that lead to societal regression and moral decay are called social pathologies. Both are the negative consequences of demoralization. [2020-03-21]

## **On Physics**

Quantum mechanics is fundamental; relativity is a side effect. The universe operates under symmetries; the universe evolves with entropy. [2014-07-21]

The most astounding fact about mathematics and physics is that as more mathematics is discovered, it enables us to describe more physics, and as more physics is discovered, more mathematics is revealed. [2015-02-15]

The fundamental principle or "Dao" of our physical reality is quantum mechanics. Quantum mechanics is the most accurate mathematical theory that we currently have for describing the information processing of the subatomic world. When we focus our attention to the nucleus of the atom, we need to extend our theory with nuclear physics to understand its quirky nature. When we extend our scopes to inspect atoms and molecules, we need electromagnetism and thermal physics to make sense of its behaviour. When we gaze upon the heavens, we need the theory of relativity and gravitation to measure the motion and composition of all the awe-inspiring structures. [2021-08-04]

## **On Mind**

It takes a strong man to lift heavy loads; it takes an even stronger man to lift a spirit. [2021-06-10]

Ordinarily, the mind is wandering, it is in the restless state, full of thoughts and emotions as anger, greed, craving and it is inefficient and unable to elaborate any information.

Science uses concentration as its method to penetrate deeper into the mysteries of an object; philosophy uses contemplation as its method, a kind of logical dreaming.

To concentrate or to contemplate you ought to silence the destructive internal voice of your thoughts and emotions, to empty your mind,forgetting the whole world and focusing on one object.

Meditation also is not some activity,sitting and doing nothing, not with your body not with your mind, you are utterly relaxed. [2021-06-11]

Know the difference between scientific knowledge and religious belief. Scientific knowledge is verifiable and may still be incorrect or incomplete. Religious belief is hope or fear masquerading as knowledge. [2022-08-01]

An enlightened mind is aware of its capacities and its limitations. An enlightened mind knows what it knows and what it does not know with truth and honesty. Such a mind possesses the wisdom and maturity of an old sage, yet retains the curiosity and open-mindedness of a young child. Thus, when learning, it knows how it should learn; when living, it knows how it should live. [2023-05-15]

After teaching for many years, I came to realize that a good education does not begin with knowledge and facts (though those are still important). We need to help students develop their awareness of the world around them and cut through the falsities to arrive at the truth. This begins with the right concentration and the desire to improve one's perception of reality and how it really works. This is the way to obtain true knowledge. Though there is a world outside our mind and independent of our mind, our mind shapes the patterns and makes sense of the world. [2023-06-16]

Every enlightened man I've come across has something in common: he sees the truth that society is the sick, and that he cannot conform with the society while simultaneously be at peace with being his true self. In consequence, he goes hermit mode and thinks up a unique philosophy with all his unique insights from daily observations. He then creates a mindful lifestyle with the core principles of his philosophy in mind. Thus, he becomes his philosophy. [2023-10-06]

## **On Ethics**

Focus on developing virtue (德) above pleasure. May the higher pleasures emerge from pursuit of virtue and the practice of virtuous deeds. [2022-08-05]

Say what you mean; mean what you say. [2023-04-04]

## **On Politics**

The critically thinking mind is the most dangerous weapon to authority. [2021-07-29]

From many years of observing society, I have come to the realization that what is deemed normal is not necessarily healthy. We should change our perspective in life by questioning "what is normal" and strive to discover "what is healthy". In other words, why be normal when you can be healthy? [2021-07-30]

A lot of resources and labour is put into one plate of food. Wasting food is wasting resources and labour! [2021-08-08]

建霸业，需动武；治帝业，需善行。[2021-08-21]

To establish a hegemony, you must use force; to maintain an empire, you need benevolence. [2021-08-21]

Cutting a man's tongue does not prove him a liar. Cutting a man's tongue only reveals a deep fear of what he has to say. [2021-09-15]

I am sensing a disturbance in the Dao. We will witness the collapse of Pax Americana within the next 20 years. The American Dollar will lose its reserve currency status. We will experience massive inflation in prices and shortage of food. 200 million people will perish from starvation, disease, climate and ecological disaster, and war. Wealth and power will shift East. [2022-03-08]

## **On Consumerism**

Malls are the cathedrals of consumerism. Don't stay in one for too long! [2018-04-17]

Fashion is just an easy way to sell overpriced cloth to the masses. [2019-3-22]

## **On History**

Though the Song dynasty was militaristically weak and its borders significantly smaller than the Tang, it was an era of great economic and cultural developments. The Song dynasty saw new developments in philosophy, literature, art and architecture, as well as great advancements in science and technology. The introduction of foreign crops from Southeast Asia doubled the Chinese population. Use of coal for steel production and petrol for lighting emerged. Faster trade routes throughout the empire coupled with the wider adoption of paper currency created an economic boom that surpassed the Tang dynasty. In a way, the Song dynasty was a Chinese "Renaissance" and mini "Industrial age" that lasted for roughly 300 years. [2023-10-19]

## **World Affairs**

American and Western pundits have a very distorted view of China, its society, and its economy. It is severely outdated at best and intentionally misguided at worse. Their analyses are one-dimensional, extrapolating meaning from a couple of specific numbers and figures without seeing the full context. I am perplexed by how the Western media reports that China is in decline because the population decreased last year and India will be the future of Asia. Sure, the population dropped that year, but there was a sudden spike in COVID cases. Also, the population is still massive, arguably overpopulated! These do not mention that although China's GDP growth rate has slowed to around 5%, that growth is based on an economy more than 5 times the size of India.

When it comes to technology, these pundits are unaware (or maybe they dismiss) the widespread adoption of robotics and information technologies. For some odd reason, many Western pundits assert that India possess a more advanced IT sector. From my observations, it is quite the opposite. Just because there are a lot of Indian software engineers working in America does not translate to the home country having a comparable level of IT specialization. They work for America. Chinese IT specialists work for Chinese tech companies, which is a major growing sector in the Chinese economy! Nowadays, they are teaching kids in schools to be digitally literate, and at an increasingly younger age. [2023-12-09]