Introduction

Fictional or semi-fictional stories and practical concepts are like yin and yang, the two fundamental principles of ancient Chinese philosophy. Although apparently contradictory, the two coexisting aspects are often complementary, interconnected and interdependent in Chinese culture.

In this book, we present just such yin and yang, namely, “Chinese Mythology” and the “Thirty-Six Stratagems.”

The mythology here describes ancient beliefs in origins, ancestors, history and deities. It explains how the universe was created and how human beings came into existence. Many elements of mythology were later adapted or assimilated into the three major belief systems in China: Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism.

On the other hand, the “Thirty-Six Stratagems,” a term first used in China more than 1,500 years ago, were originally a collection of strategies or practical ruses for warfare. But today, many Chinese people apply them to politics, business, sports as well as daily living habits.

By reading both the “yin” — mythology — and “yang” — the stratagems — in this book, you may arrive at a deeper understanding of unique and exceptional ancient Chinese wisdom.