论老子的明哲保身思想

On Laozi's idea of being worldly-wise and playing safe

老子生活的时代是一个战乱、动荡、社会急剧变化的时代，个人置身其中，常有朝不保夕之感，于是，如何保全个人的生命便成为老子关注的一个焦点。老子的明哲保身思想包含重身轻物、知足知止、功成身退、韬光养晦、委曲求全等内容。它对中华民族的性格和行为方式有着深远的影响。

Laozi lived in a time when there were constant wars among the states and people of the time would always had fears and worries about their livelihood. Therefore, how to protect oneself and lead a safer life beoame the concern of everyone of the time. It also became the core of Laozi's ideological system. Laozi's idea of being worldly - wise and playing safe includes the attitudes of valuing life above materials, being contented with what one has had and asking for nothing, retiring after gaining fame, hiding one's capacities and making accommodations for the sake of overall interests. Laozi's idea has profound influences upon Chinese people's national character and ways of behavior.