Dialectics on The Art of War by Deception

The Book of Luo Zhi was written by Lai Junchen, a notorious official of the Tang Dynasty, and is rife with schemes and ruthless power plays. It opens by saying that, to win favor and earn rewards, one should not hesitate to fabricate wrongful cases. It also teaches subordinates to credit their achievements to their superiors and take the blame themselves, concealing their abilities to please those above them. Though this book reflects survival tactics and political maneuvering in a particular environment, its values run counter to justice and compassion. It is a product of feudal darkness, and we must recognize and reject it, holding fast to the right path.