The Middle Way

The Doctrine of the Mean is the posthumous work of the late master of Chinese studies Zeng Shiqiang, distilling the wisdom of a lifetime, published by Beijing United Publishing Company. Rather than simply restating the original Confucian concept of the "doctrine of the mean," the book develops it through Zeng's distinctive "Chinese-style management" thinking into a practical philosophy applicable to modern life, work, and self-cultivation. The book has maintained a Douban rating above 8.5, and its strong reputation stems from its highly relevant transformation of ancient Eastern wisdom. In the book, "the middle way" is interpreted as the art of dynamic balance—"just right"—not passive compromise but active "reasonableness." Through numerous vivid cases, Zeng analyzes how to find the "reasonable" point of response amid complex relationships, workplace dilemmas, and family conflicts, thereby achieving harmonious progress between the individual and the environment. As an editor, I believe the book's core value lies in its "operability." It strips away the obscure exterior of traditional Chinese classics and offers concrete paths of thinking and behavioral reference. For example, on decision-making, Zeng proposes the principle of "holding to the constant while adapting to change"—remaining flexible (change) on the basis of adhering to fundamental principles (the constant)—providing modern readers with valuable steadiness and wisdom in a rapidly changing society. This book is the essence of Zeng Shiqiang's thought system, suited to readers who feel lost, conflicted, or caught in complex situations, offering a solution rooted in Chinese cultural soil that differs markedly from Western modes of thinking.