ancient chinese history, cao cao, chen gong, guan yu, historical leadership, leadership principles, loyalty and betrayal, military strategy, three kingdoms, trust and integrity

Cao Cao’s Leadership Principles: Trust and Integrity in the Three Kingdoms Era

In the ancient Shuowen Dictionary, trust is defined as a blend of sincerity and reliability, emphasizing the importance of keeping one’s word. This concept was deeply valued in ancient China, with many proverbs highlighting the significance of integrity in personal and professional relationships. Cao Cao, the ruler of the Wei state during the Three Kingdoms ...

Mikel Davis

A statue of Cao Cao at Weiwudi Square.

Powerful Winds of Destiny That Changed the Course of Chinese History

Victory in battle, it is said, can only materialize if the three favorable factors of time, place, and people meet simultaneously. In Chinese history, there have been several battles in which defeat was inevitable, but suddenly, from nowhere, powerful winds arose that changed the course of history. Particularly in decisive battles with a vast disparity ...

Michael Segarty

The Battle of Fei River.

The Powerful Ancient Chinese Art of Reading People

Empathy, reading people, catching vibes, social intelligence, or the ability to read other people’s emotions and inner character — and to use this intel to navigate relationships — has been given many names. Specific individuals seem to be born with social intelligence. But for most of us, it’s something that’s developed — or stunted — ...

Max Lu

Reading a person at a meeting.

Hua Tuo: China’s Magical Doctor

There was no C.T., ultrasound, X-ray, or Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in ancient China. Instead, ancient doctors like Hua Tuo could rely on the body’s senses to gather diagnostic information. In modern times, after years of trying, a new theoretical system has been established — Chinese medical science. Its theories rely on collecting external pathological manifestations to ...

Max Lu

A statue of Hua Tuo.

‘Discovery’ of an Invisible Organ called a Meridian

In 2018, American scientists published an article in the journal Scientific Reports of Nature, stating that they had uncovered an invisible organ called “interstitium,” or what Chinese medicine calls meridians. Scientists say that the latest discoveries have revealed a “highway” of fluid flow in the human body. This highway seems to be everywhere — under ...

Believe It Or Not

Female acupuncture meridians.

The Ancient Sage Hua Tuo’s and His Medical Miracles (Part 1)

Hua Tuo was a renowned Chinese doctor of the late Eastern Han Dynasty. Unfortunately, there is very little known about this legendary doctor’s background or his early years in the existing records. However, in the annals of history and legend, Hua Tuo’s medical skills are dazzling and brilliant. Any individual who cultivates their character and ...

Michael Segarty

A statue of Hua Tuo.

Critical Situation: Cao Cao’s Horses Trampled on the Wheat Field

During the Three Kingdoms period, the momentous story of Cao Cao “cutting off the head” has been passed down through the ages. When his troops passed through the wheat fields, he ordered his officials and soldiers not to trample on the wheat, and should anyone violate this order, they would get beheaded in public.  For this ...

Michael Segarty

Statue of Cao Cao in his chariot.