The first sage in China's business world: Tao Zhu, the god of wealth, Fan Li (picture)

中国商界第一圣人：财神陶朱公范蠡（图）

We know Laozi, the sage of Taoism, Confucius, the sage of Confucianism, as well as Fan Li, the sage of business -- Tao Zhu, the god of wealth.

----Zhuge Changqing

Zhuge Changqing: Today's market economy is booming and business is rising, but we in the business world must remember a person, who is the prime minister of Gou Jian, the former King of Yue, the later sage of the business world, and the god of wealth worshipped by people.

He is also known as Tao Zhugong.

Why was Fan Li called the Duke of Tao and Zhu?

Zhuge Changqing: Because Fan Li resigned from his position as prime minister and settled in Tao (now Taoshan, Feicheng, Shandong Province, or Dingtao, Shandong Province). He accumulated a huge amount of money for business and saved the people. When asked what his name was, he said, "My name is Tao Zhu Gong".

Later, it also became the god of wealth in people's hearts.

The following information is from Baidu Network.

Fan Li, whose name is Shaobo, was born and died in an unknown year. He was a Han nationality and was born in Wan (now Nanyang, Henan Province) of the State of Chu during the Spring and Autumn Period. Famous statesman, strategist and industrialist at the end of the Spring and Autumn Period. Later generations will be honored as "Saint of Commerce".

He was born in a poor family, but he was knowledgeable and versatile. He knew and knew Chu Wanling very well.

Dissatisfied with the political darkness of the State of Chu at that time, non-aristocrats were not allowed to enter the official career, and they joined the State of Yue to assist Gou Jian of the State of Yue. Helping Gou Jian to revive the State of Yue and destroy the State of Wu, he wiped out the shame of Kuaiji. After his success and fame, the torrent retreated bravely. His pseudonym was Chiyi Zipi. He changed his official dress into a white dress and Xishi went out of Gusu in the west. He spread a boat across the five lakes and roamed between the seventy-two peaks.

During this period, he became rich in business three times, and scattered his family wealth three times. He was the ancestor of the Confucian businessman in China.

The world praises it as "loyalty to the country; intelligence to protect the body; business to become rich and famous".

Zhuge Changqing: From ancient times to modern times, after careful calculation, it is probably only Tao Zhugong, Fan Li, who can be excellent in politics and business.

Story 1. Life of the characters

Fan Li was born in about 536 BC and died unharmed in about 448 BC. He died at the age of nearly 100 years old. He is known as the sage of Chinese businessmen.

Zhuge Changqing: People who benefit the society will always be remembered by the society and will surely live a long and healthy life.

He was born in a poor family, but he was smart, wise, and strategic. When he was young, he learned to be rich in five cars. He knew astronomy and geography, and was full of knowledge. However, even though he had the talent of sage, Fan Li was not known by the world in the state of Chu, where the nobles were autocratic and the politics were chaotic.

In the twenty-fourth year of King Jing of Zhou (496 BC), the war between Wu and Yue (Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province) took place, and King Helu of Wu was killed. Therefore, the two countries became bitter and the war continued for years. In the twenty-sixth year of King Jing of Zhou (494 BC), Fu Chai, the son of Helu, fought a decisive battle with the State of Yue in Fujiao (Dongting Mountain in the middle of Taihu Lake, Jiangsu Province) to avenge his father. Gou Jian, the king of Yue, was defeated and only 5000 soldiers fled to Kuaiji Mountain, Fan Li then defected to the State of Wu at the end of Gou Jian's life and offered the policy of "humble words and courtesies, begging Wu Cunyue". After the peace talks, "When people wait, endure their humiliation and take advantage of their defeat..."

He lamented to Gou Jian the assertion that "the more the country will prosper, the more the country will fail", and remonstrated: "bend to serve the king of Wu, and Xu Tu will turn the corner.". After being worshipped as a doctor, he accompanied Gou Jian and his wife to serve as slaves in the State of Wu for three years

Zhuge Changqing: Fan Li's prime minister's behavior can be regarded as a model of prime minister.

After returning to China three years later, he and Wen Zhong planned to revive the Yue and destroy the Wu Jiushu. He was the planner and organizer of the "ten years of reunion and ten years of lessons" of the Yue State. In order to implement the strategy of annihilating Wu, which is also one of the nine tricks of "beauty", Fan Li personally traveled mountains and rivers, and finally visited Xi Shi, a woman of both virtue, talent and beauty, at the Huansha River in Zhuluo Mountain. He wrote a wonderful chapter in the history of Xi Shi's dedication to the king of Wu and the rise and fall of Wu. Fan Li worked for Goujian, the king of Yue, for more than 20 years. He worked hard and died in the destruction of Wu. He achieved the supremacy of the king of Yue and was honored as the supreme general.

"The king of Wu died in Yuhang Mountain, and the king of Yue held a banquet at Gusutai." When the whole country was celebrating, Fan Li retreated bravely, so he and Xi Shi hid their names and went boating on the five lakes. However, boating on the five lakes with Xi Shi is only a folk legend. In fact, Fan Li was 68 years old when he retired, and Xi Shi was much younger than Fan Li. But people are always willing to weave stories of heroes and beauties, so there is the saying of boating on the five lakes. But this should not be the case in history.

Later, he came to the state of Qi, changed his name to Owl Skin, and led his son and disciples to settle down by the sea. In a few years, we have accumulated tens of millions of properties by making strenuous efforts to reclaim wasteland and cultivate, concurrently engaging in sidelines and doing business. He was generous and generous, and he was good at his hometown. Fan Li's wisdom and ability were appreciated by the people of Qi. The king of Qi invited him to Linzi, the capital of the country, and worshipped him as the prime minister in charge of government affairs. He sighed with a sigh: "A resident official can send money to a minister, and a family can send money to a thousand; for a self-made cloth garment, it has reached the extreme point. It is not a auspicious sign to be respected for a long time." So, just three years later, he returned Xiangyin to the king of Qi and scattered his family wealth to his friends and fellow villagers.

Zhuge Changqing: If you can help the society with compassion, you must have a long and blessed life.

Fan Li, dressed in cloth, moved to Tao for the third time (now Taoshan, Feicheng, Shandong Province, or Dingtao, Shandong Province).

In this best place to do business, which is located in the "world" (Taodi is adjacent to Qi and Lu in the east; Qin and Zheng in the west; Jin and Yan in the north; Chu and Yue in the south.), the best way to do business is to use the skill of calculation (according to the season, climate, people's feelings, customs, etc., people abandon others and take others as they like, and let nature take its course, and move in standby.) In order to manage property, within a few years, after doing business and accumulating money, they became rich again. So they called Taozhu Duke, and the local people respected him as the god of wealth, It is the originator of Confucian business in China.

Zhuge Changqing: How can such people not become the god of wealth if they can earn money and distribute it to the people and help the poor?

Sima Qian, a historian, said, "Fan Li's three movements were famous."; There is a saying in the history book that summarizes his life: "keep pace with the times and not blame others"; The world praises it as "loyalty to the country; intelligence to protect the body; business to become rich and famous".

Story 2: Stay on the wagon and taste the gall (Zhuge Changqing: Successful people have enough patience.)

In the twenty-fourth year of King Jing of Zhou (496 BC), the war between the State of Wu and the State of Yue (now Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province) took place, and King Helu of Wu was killed. Therefore, the two countries became bitter and the war continued for years.

In the 26th year of King Jing of Zhou (494 BC), Fu Chai, the son of Helu, fought a decisive battle with the State of Yue in Fujiao (now Dongting Mountain in Taihu Lake, Jiangsu Province) to avenge his father. Gou Jian, the king of Yue, was defeated, and only 5000 soldiers escaped to Kuaiji Mountain.

Fan Li then defected to the State of Yue when Gou Jian was at the end of his life. "When people are waiting, endure their humiliation and take advantage of their defeat..." "If they are full and not overflowing, they will be in the same way with the heaven, and the heaven will bless them; if the earth is capable of all things, people should use sparingly, so they will get the gift of the earth; if they support the crisis and settle down, and are humble, they will be in the same way with the people, and people can move." He told Gou Jian with regret the assertion that "Yue will rise, Wu will fall", He remonstrated: "Bow down to serve the King of Wu, and Xu Tu changed his mind." After being worshipped as a doctor, he accompanied Gou Jian and his wife to serve as slaves in the State of Wu for three years

Zhuge Changqing: The word "lying on the hardships and tasting the courage" comes from Fan Li's strategy.

After returning to China three years later, he and Wen Zhong planned to revive the Yue and destroy the Wu Jiushu. He was the planner and organizer of the "ten years of reunion and ten years of lessons" of the Yue State. In order to implement the strategy of annihilating Wu, which is also one of the nine tricks of "beauty", Fan Li personally traveled mountains and rivers, and finally visited Xi Shi, a woman of both virtue, talent and beauty, at the Huansha River in Zhuluo Mountain. He wrote a wonderful chapter in the history of Xi Shi's dedication to the king of Wu and the rise and fall of Wu. Fan Li worked for Goujian, the king of Yue, for more than 20 years. He worked hard and died in the destruction of Wu. He achieved the supremacy of the king of Yue and was honored as the supreme general.

Fan Li believed that it was difficult to live for a long time under the king of Yue who had made contributions. He knew that Gou Jian was a "long-necked bird's beak", and could share weal and woe with him. So he went boating with Xi Shi in the state of Qi, changed his name to Owl Skin, and led his son and disciples to settle down by the sea. In a few years, we have accumulated tens of millions of properties by making strenuous efforts to reclaim wasteland and cultivate, concurrently engaging in sidelines and doing business. He was generous and generous, and he was good at his hometown. Fan Li's wisdom and ability were appreciated by the people of Qi. The king of Qi invited him to Linzi, the capital of the country, and worshipped him as the prime minister in charge of government affairs. He sighed with a sigh: "A resident official can send money to a minister, and a family can send money to a thousand; for a self-made cloth garment, it has reached the extreme point. It is not a auspicious sign to be respected for a long time." So, just three years later, he returned Xiangyin to the king of Qi and scattered his family wealth to his friends and fellow villagers.

Story 3: Fan Li's Economic Thought

"To persuade farmers to accumulate grain", "to concurrently operate at the end of the agricultural period", "to finish the work, to have no interest", "to sell all things, to close the market, and to govern the country.", "to sell the goods in summer, to sell the goods in winter, to sell the goods in winter, to sell the boats in drought, to sell the goods in water, and to wait for the shortage.", etc., have also positive practical significance for modern economic construction.

Story 4: Military Thought

Fan Li's military purpose: to be strong, to guard against arrogance and ease, and to be well prepared; Weak means dark and strong, and move in standby; The soldiers are good at taking advantage of the opportunities to win by surprise. Praise and continue to use for future generations. Fan Li's famous economic thoughts: "persuade farmers to accumulate grain for farming", "concurrently run at the end of farming", "finish the work and pay no interest", "sell everything, close the market, and govern the country.", "summer is the capital, winter is the capital engine, drought is the capital boat, water is the capital car, waiting for the shortage." and so on have also positive practical significance to modern economic construction.

Story 5: Personal Resume

Since Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty worshipped Confucianism and resisted businessmen, in China's feudal tradition of more than 2000 years, "scholars (taxi here, not a broad range of intellectuals, but Confucian intellectuals), agriculture, industry, and commerce" were listed, with scholars as the first and business as the last. Even in the commercial developed Song Dynasty, there were still businessmen who had to wear black and white shoes, so although Fan Li had brilliant achievements in his life, However, in the long history of the future, it was not destined to be recorded in the annals of history with historical celebrities (except the historical records). But in Sima Qian's records, we can at least see that before the early Han Dynasty, people did not discriminate against merchants so much, so he can be recorded in the Records of the Historian for later generations to read!

He entered Vietnam around 496 BC, assisted Gou Jian for more than 20 years, and finally made Gou Jian destroy Wu in 473 BC. Fan Li thought that it was difficult to live under the name for a long time, so he took a boat and went to the sea. Later in the Qi Dynasty, father and son worked hard to produce hundreds of thousands of crops. The people of Qi heard of his merits and made him the prime minister. Fan Li resigned from his position as prime minister and settled in Tao (now Taoshan, Feicheng, Shandong Province, or Dingtao, Shandong Province). He accumulated a huge amount of money in business and was called "Tao Zhu Gong".

Fan Li was a rare wise man in the pre-Qin period, who could not only govern the country and use military force, but also maintain his family and protect himself. The history books summarized his life as "keeping pace with the times and not blaming others".

Fan Li served Gou Jian, the king of Yue, and planned with Gou Jian for more than 20 years. Finally, he destroyed the State of Wu and wiped out the disgrace of Kuaiji. The Vietnamese army marched northward into the Huaihe River, facing the borders of Qi and Jin, and ordered the countries in the Central Plains to honor the Zhou Dynasty. Gou Jian dominated, and Fan Li became a general. After returning to China, Fan Li thought that it would be difficult for him to remain famous for a long time. Moreover, Gou Jian's personality could share the same difficulties and happiness with him. So he packed the fine and soft jewelry and went across the sea with his subordinates without permission. He never returned to Vietnam.

Fan Li went to the State of Qi by boat, changed his name, worked at the seaside, and his father and son worked together to manage the industry. After a short stay, he accumulated hundreds of thousands of property. The people of Qi heard that he was very talented and asked him to be the prime minister. Fan Li sighed, "If you live at home, you will accumulate a lot of wealth, and if you become an official, you will reach the high position of a minister. This is the highest position that the common people can reach. It is unlucky to enjoy a noble name for a long time.

Chronology of Events

In 536 BC (the sixth year of Lu Zhaogong and the fifth year of King Ling of Chu), Fan Li was born in three towns in Wandi, when Confucius was 15 years old.

516 BC (the 25th year of Duke Zhao of Lu, the 13th year of King Ping of Chu, and the 11th year of Wang Liao of Wu); Wan Lingwen met Fan Li, who was 20 years old.

511 BC (the 31st year of Duke Zhao of Lu, the fifth year of King Zhao of Chu, and the fourth year of Wu Helu); Fan Li invited Wen Zhong to Vietnam at the age of 25.

494 BC (the third year of Duke Ai of Lu, the twenty-second year of King Zhao of Chu, and the third year of Goujian of Yue); Gou Jian was defeated in Kuaiji Mountain in the west, and began to put Fan Li and Wen Zhong in high position. Fan Li was 42 years old.

493 BC (the second year of Duke Ai of Lu, the twenty-third year of King Zhao of Chu, and the fourth year of Goujian of Yue); Gou Jian and Fan Li became slaves in Wu. Fan Li was 43 years old.

490 BC (the fifth year of Duke Ai of Lu, the twenty-sixth year of King Zhao of Chu, the seventh year of Goujian of Yue, and the sixth year of Wufucha); Gou Jian and Fan Li left Wu and returned to Vietnam. Fan Li was 46 years old.

486 BC (the ninth year of Duke Ai of Lu, the third year of King Hui of Chu, the eleventh year of Goujian of Yue, and the tenth year of Wufucha); Gou Jian wanted to attack Wu, but Fan Li dissuaded him. Fan Li was 50 years old.

484 BC (the eleventh year of Duke Ai of Lu, the fifth year of King Hui of Chu, the thirteenth year of Goujian of Yue, and the twelfth year of Fu Cha of Wu); Wu attacked Qi again and occupied Ailing. The king of Yue and his officials went to see the king of Wu. Both of them had bribes, which further paralyzed the people of Wu. Fu Chai killed Wu Zixu. Fan Li was 52 years old.

482 BC (the 13th year of Duke Ai of Lu, the 7th year of King Hui of Chu, the 15th year of Goujian of Yue, and the 14th year of Wu Fuchai); At the meeting of Huang Chi in Wu and Jin, the Yue division took the opportunity to attack the State of Wu, defeated it and killed the Prince of Wu. At the end of the year, Wu and Yue made peace. Fan Li was 54 years old.

479 BC (16 years of Duke Ai of Lu, 10 years of King Hui of Chu, 18 years of Goujian of Yue, 17 years of Wu Fuchai); The more the army was set up to attack Wu, the more troops were sent to the Five Lakes. Fan Li was 57 years old.

478 BC (17 years of Duke Ai of Lu, 11 years of King Hui of Chu, 19 years of Goujian of Yue, 18 years of Wu Fuchai); In March, the Vietnamese attacked Wu and the Wu division also fought in Lize. The two sides fought against Wu Songjiang. The Vietnamese defeated the Wu division. Fan Li was 58 years old.

475 BC (20 years of Duke Ai of Lu, 14 years of King Hui of Chu, 22 years of Yue Goujian, 21 years of Wu Fuchai); In November, the Vietnamese encircled Wu and Fan Li adopted the strategy of encirclement without attack, which led to the collapse of the Wu division. Fan Li was 61 years old.

473 BC (22nd year of Duke Ai of Lu, 16th year of King Hui of Chu, 24th year of Yue Goujian, 23rd year of Wu Fuchai); At the end of the year, when Wu was exterminated, Fu Chai committed suicide. Fan Li was 63 years old.

468 BC (27 years of Duke Ai of Lu, 21 years of King Hui of Chu, and 29 years of Yue Goujian); When King Yue achieved hegemony, Fan Li went boating on the five lakes at the age of 68.

In 465 BC, Gou Jian, the king of Yue, died at the age of 71.

In 448 BC, Fan Li died at the age of 88!

Story 6: influence of later generations

"To persuade farmers to accumulate grain", "to concurrently operate at the end of the agricultural period", "to finish the work, to have no interest", "to sell all things, to close the market, and to govern the country.", "to sell the goods in summer, to sell the goods in winter, to sell the goods in winter, to sell the boats in drought, to sell the goods in water, and to wait for the shortage.", etc., have also positive practical significance for modern economic construction.

Fan Li was an outstanding politician and businessman at the end of the Spring and Autumn Period.

He also has some noteworthy economic management thoughts, such as the idea of "benefiting both farmers and farmers". According to the Historical Records of the People's Republic of China, Fan Li believed that if you are ill, you will lose money if you are ill. If you are ill, you will lose money if you are ill. If the upper limit is no more than 80, and the lower limit is no less than 30, then all farmers will benefit. There is no shortage of closed markets and the way to govern the country. "

The main idea of the above is that: if the price of grain is too low, it will damage the interests of farmers. If farmers do not work hard, the farmland will be abandoned. If the price of grain is too high, it will harm the interests of industry and commerce. If industry and commerce are damaged and no one is engaged in industry and commerce, it will make the economy difficult. If the grain price is as low as 20, it will harm farmers, and if the grain price is as high as 90, it will harm industry and commerce. If the valley price is limited to no less than 30 and no more than 80, it will be beneficial to agriculture, industry and commerce. If we can do this, we will have no shortage of checkpoints and markets. Isn't that the way to govern the country?

It should be noted here that from the perspective of Sima Qian's realistic spirit in managing history, his above records should undoubtedly reflect Fan Li's thoughts. Sima Qian did not attribute the idea of "benefiting all the peasants" to Guan Zhong, Confucius, Zichan and other people, but only recorded it in the name of Fan Li, which shows that he must have some basis. As for his habit of replacing "industry and commerce" with "end" since the end of the Warring States period, it was his own change. This has been pointed out by predecessors. It should also be noted that the grain price should be limited to a range of no less than 30 and no more than 80. According to the "Yue Jue Shu · Ji Ni Nei Jing", "buying stones will hurt farmers in 20 cases and end in 90 cases". The price of such grain per stone is roughly the same as the price of millet stone of 30 and the price of grain in the Han Dynasty, which Li Xuan said in the Warring States Period. This may also be an example of Fan Li's thought expressed by the people of the Han Dynasty using the habits at that time. Nevertheless, these minor changes did not detract from the brilliance of Fan Li's thought of "all benefits at the end of agriculture".

At the end of the Spring and Autumn Period, Fan Li put forward the idea of "all benefits at the end of agriculture", which is of great significance. This is reflected in: first, he put forward the problem that the low price of the grain hurts the people, and the high price of the grain hurts the people. By adjusting the price to a certain range, he can achieve "the benefits of both the farmers and the farmers". This can not only promote the development of agriculture, but also be conducive to the development of industry and commerce, so that all sectors of the national economy can develop in a coordinated manner. Secondly, he clearly put forward the role of commodity prices in production and circulation, especially the role of properly handling the relationship between grain prices and other commodity prices in production and circulation. Fan Li tried to promote production and circulation by adjusting prices, which was through economic means rather than administrative orders. This is also noteworthy. Thirdly, how to control prices within a certain range? Fan Li advocated using the method of "equal selling", which requires the country to purchase and store grain in the harvest year, and then sell the grain at the same price when the country is short of grain in the harvest year, so as to stabilize the grain and other prices, which is called "equal selling". Therefore, Fan Li first put forward the idea of "balancing property". In the Warring States Period, Li Li's implementation of balancing property law and the establishment of "constant balancing warehouse" in the Han Dynasty were both the development and practice of this idea. Therefore, the importance of the idea of "balancing attributes" cannot be ignored.

Fan Li has practical experience in governing the country and managing financial affairs. His price policy of "benefiting all the farmers" and the economic proposition of "balancing all the properties" have important theoretical and practical significance. Fan Li is worthy of being an outstanding figure in governing the country and managing money in ancient China.

Guan Zhong, Confucius and Fan Li are representative figures in the economic management thought during the Spring and Autumn Period. Their views on some issues of economic management can reflect the characteristics of that era.

Story 7: Related works

Part of Planning; It is recorded in the "National Language - Vietnamese Language" and "Historical Records - Biographies of the Cargo Colony"; There are two pieces of Fan Li's art of war in The Book of Han Dynasty.

Tao Zhu is the author of "Twelve Principles of Tao Zhu's Financial Management" (probably entrusted by later generations), which is as follows:

Be able to know people: know people's good and evil.

Able to use people: because of wealth, everything can be relied on.

Be able to know the opportunity: store it at the right time without losing money.

Be able to advocate efficiency: practice efficiency, and look and feel self-generated.

Can rectify: the goods are neat and eye-catching.

Can be agile: hesitant, never succeed in old age.

Can accept: etiquette and justice intersect, and customers are numerous.

Can settle down: Abandon the old and welcome the new, and merchants are seriously ill.

Be able to argue: the way to make money is to open up opportunities.

Be able to handle goods: You can buy goods freely and make more profits.

Be able to collect accounts: be diligent and not lazy.

Be able to pay off the debt: how much is the priority.

The Tao Zhu Gong's Business Manual, also known as the Tao Zhu Gong's Business Manual, the Tao Zhu Gong's Business Instructions or the Tao Zhu Gong's 18 Principles of Business, which is processed and sorted out according to the Tao Zhu Gong's business thoughts, is still circulating in Dingtao area. The contents of Tao Zhu Gong's Business Manual are as follows:

Business should be diligent, and laziness is useless.

Spend frugally and run out of luxury money.

The price has to be proved, and there are many ambiguities and disputes.

He who owes money to witnesses will lose money.

The goods should be inspected face to face, and the price will be reduced if the quality is excessive.

Be modest and cautious in entering and leaving. There are many scribbles and mistakes.

Employing people should be upright, and it is difficult to trust them.

The advantages and disadvantages should be subdivided, and the confusion and consumption are large.

The goods need to be corrected, and it is difficult to check them carelessly.

The time limit should be agreed, and carelessness will lead to loss of credit.

Business should be done at any time.

Money should be prudent, and confusion will lead to malpractice.

We should do our duty in the face of the matter, and the commission will suffer greatly.

The accounts should be checked to avoid capital stagnation.

Accept with humility, and deal less with irritability.

The main mind should be quiet, and there are many reckless actions and mistakes.

Speak in a proper way. There are many blunders and accidents.

Work should be meticulous, and rough work will lead to inferior products.

Zhuge Changqing: Today's entrepreneurs should learn from Fan Li's Confucian business spirit, help the poor with compassion, and show the way of sages.

Bless all the people in the world who are destined to meet their needs, the heavenly officials will bless them, the cause will take off, and the source of wealth will expand!

  我们知道道家圣人老子，儒家圣人孔子，也要知道商家圣人范蠡--财神陶朱公。

---- 诸葛长青

   诸葛长青：今天的市场经济繁荣，商业崛起，但是我们商界的人必须记住一个人，这个人就是曾经的越王勾践的宰相、后来的商界圣人、人们崇拜的财神范蠡。

  他又被称为陶朱公。

  范蠡为什么被称为陶朱公？

  诸葛长青：因为范蠡辞去相职，定居于陶（今山东肥城陶山，或山东定陶）经商积资巨万，救助老百姓，人家问他叫什么名字，他就说，我叫“陶朱公”。

  后来也成为人们心中的财神。

  以下资料来自百度网络。

  范蠡，字少伯，生卒年不详，汉族，春秋楚国宛(今河南南阳)人。春秋末著名的政治家、军事家和实业家。后人尊称“商圣”。

   他出身贫贱，但博学多才，与楚宛令文种相识、相交甚深。

   因不满当时楚国政治黑暗、非贵族不得入仕而一起投奔越国，辅佐越国勾践。帮助勾践兴越国，灭吴国，一雪会稽之耻，功成名就之后激流勇退，化名姓为鸱夷子皮，变官服为一袭白衣与西施西出姑苏，泛一叶扁舟于五湖之中，遨游于七十二峰之间。

   期间三次经商成巨富，三散家财，自号陶朱公，乃我国儒商之鼻祖。

   世人誉之：“忠以为国；智以保身；商以致富，成名天下”。

   诸葛长青：古往今来，仔细测算，能够从政、从商都非常卓越的，可能只有陶朱公---范蠡了。

   故事一、人物生平

　　范蠡大约出生于公元前536年，约于公元前448年无疾而终，享年高龄，几近百岁，被称为中国商人圣祖。

   诸葛长青：造福社会的人，永远被社会记住，必然长寿健康。

　　他出身贫寒，但聪敏睿智、胸藏韬略，年青时，就学富五车，上晓天文、下识地理，满腹经纶，文韬武略，无所不精。然纵有圣人之资，在当时贵胄专权、政治紊乱的楚国，范蠡却不为世人所识。

　　周敬王二十四年（公元前496年），吴国和越国发生了槜李之战（今浙江嘉兴），吴王阖闾阵亡，因此两国结怨，连年战乱不休，周敬王二十六年（公元前494年），阖闾之子夫差为报父仇与越国在夫椒（今江苏太湖中洞庭山）决战，越王勾践大败，仅剩5000兵卒逃入会稽山，范蠡遂于勾践穷途末路之际投奔吴国，献“卑辞厚礼，乞吴存越”之策。议和后“人待期时，忍其辱，乘其败……”“持满而不溢，则于天同道，上天会佑之；地能万物，人应该节用，这样则获地之赐；扶危定倾，谦卑事之，则与人同道，人可动之。”

   他向勾践慨述“越必兴、吴必败”之断言，进谏：“屈身以事吴王，徐图转机。”。被拜为上大夫后，他陪同勾践夫妇在吴国为奴三年，“忍以持志，因而砺坚，君后勿悲，臣与共勉！”

    诸葛长青：范蠡的宰相行为，堪称是宰相的典范。

　　三年后归国，他与文种拟定兴越灭吴九术，是越国“十年生聚，十年教训”的策划者和组织者。为了实施灭吴战略，也是九术之一的“美人计”，范蠡亲自跋山涉水，终于在苎萝山浣纱河访到德才貌兼备的巾帼奇女——西施，在历史上谱写了西施深明大义献身吴王，里应外合兴越灭吴的传奇篇章。范蠡事越王勾践二十余年，苦身戮力，卒于灭吴，成就越王霸业，被尊为上将军。

　　“吴王亡身余杭山，越王摆宴姑苏台。”在举国欢庆之时，范蠡急流勇退，遂与西施隐姓埋名、泛舟五湖。不过，与西施泛舟五湖只是民间传说，事实上，范蠡隐退时已经68岁高龄，而西施要比范蠡小的多。但是人们总愿编织出英雄美人的佳话，因此才有泛舟五湖这一说。但史实应该不是这样的。

　　后来，他辗转来到齐国，变姓名为鸱夷子皮，带领儿子和门徒在海边结庐而居。戮力垦荒耕作，兼营副业并经商，没有几年，就积累了数千万家产。他仗义疏财，施善乡梓，范蠡的贤明能干被齐人赏识，齐王把他请进国都临淄，拜为主持政务的相国。他喟然感叹：“居官致于卿相，治家能致千金；对于一个白手起家的布衣来讲，已经到了极点。久受尊名，恐怕不是吉祥的征兆。”于是，才三年，他再次急流勇退，向齐王归还了相印，散尽家财给知交和老乡。

   诸葛长青：能够有慈悲心救助社会，必是长寿有福之人。

　　一身布衣，范蠡第三次迁徙至陶（今山东肥城陶山，或山东定陶）。

   在这个居于“天下之中”（陶地东邻齐、鲁；西接秦、郑；北通晋、燕；南连楚、越。）的最佳经商之地，操计然之术（根据时节、气候、民情、风俗等，人弃我取、人取我与，顺其自然、待机而动。）以治产，没出几年，经商积资又成巨富，遂自号陶朱公，当地民众皆尊陶朱公为财神，乃我国道德经商——儒商之鼻祖。

   诸葛长青：能够赚了钱又分给百姓、资助贫困，这样的人如何不成为财神？

　　史学家司马迁称：“范蠡三迁皆有荣名。”；史书中有语概括其平生：“与时逐而不责于人”；世人誉之：“忠以为国；智以保身；商以致富，成名天下”。

   故事二：卧薪尝胆（诸葛长青：成功者都有足够的耐心。）

　　周敬王二十四年（公元前496年），吴国和越国发生了槜李之战（今浙江嘉兴），吴王阖闾阵亡，因此两国结怨，连年战乱不休。

    周敬王二十六年（西元前494年），阖闾之子夫差为报父仇与越国在夫椒（今江苏太湖中洞庭山）决战，越王勾践大败，仅剩5000兵卒逃入会稽山。

   范蠡遂于勾践穷途末路之际投奔越国，“人待期时，忍其辱，乘其败……”“持满而不溢，则于天同道，上天会佑之；地能万物，人应该节用，这样则获地之赐；扶危定倾，谦卑事之，则与人同道，人可动之。”他向勾践慨述“越必兴、吴必败”之断言，进谏：“屈身以事吴王，徐图转机。”被拜为上大夫后，他陪同勾践夫妇在吴国为奴三年，“忍以持志，因而砺坚，君后勿悲，臣与共勉！”

   诸葛长青：“卧薪尝胆”这个词语，就是来源于范蠡的谋略。

　　三年后归国，他与文种拟定兴越灭吴九术，是越国“十年生聚，十年教训”的策划者和组织者。为了实施灭吴战略，也是九术之一的“美人计”，范蠡亲自跋山涉水，终于在苎萝山浣纱河访到德才貌兼备的巾帼奇女——西施，在历史上谱写了西施深明大义献身吴王，里应外合兴越灭吴的传奇篇章。范蠡事越王勾践二十余年，苦身戮力，卒于灭吴，成就越王霸业，被尊为上将军。

    范蠡认为在有功于越王之下，难以久居，“飞鸟尽，良弓藏；狡兔死，走狗烹”。他深知勾践为人“长颈鸟喙”，可与共患难，难与同安乐，遂与西施一起泛舟齐国，变姓名为鸱夷子皮，带领儿子和门徒在海边结庐而居。戮力垦荒耕作，兼营副业并经商，没有几年，就积累了数千万家产。他仗义疏财，施善乡梓，范蠡的贤明能干被齐人赏识，齐王把他请进国都临淄，拜为主持政务的相国。他喟然感叹：“居官致于卿相，治家能致千金；对于一个白手起家的布衣来讲，已经到了极点。久受尊名，恐怕不是吉祥的征兆。”于是，才三年，他再次急流勇退，向齐王归还了相印，散尽家财给知交和老乡。

   故事三：范蠡的经济思想

　　“劝农桑，务积谷”、“农末兼营”、“务完物、无息币”、“平粜各物，关市不乏，治国之道也。”、“夏则资皮、冬则资絺、旱则资舟、水则资车，以待乏也。” 等至今对现代的经济建设也有积极的现实意义。

   故事四：军事思想

　　范蠡的军事宗旨：强则戒骄逸，处安有备；弱则暗图强，待机而动；用兵善乘虚蹈隙，出奇制胜。为后世称道并沿用。范蠡著名的经济思想：“劝农桑，务积谷”、“农末兼营”、“务完物、无息币”、“平粜各物，关市不乏，治国之道也。”、“夏则资皮、冬则资絺、旱则资舟、水则资车，以待乏也。”等至今对现代的经济建设也有积极的现实意义。

  故事五：个人履历

　　从汉武帝独尊儒术、抵制商人开始，我国长达两千余年的封建传统中，均以“士（这里的士，不是广泛的知识分子，而是儒家知识分子）、农、工、商”为列，士为首，商为末，即使在商业发达的宋朝，尚有商人穿鞋必须着一黑一白之劣规，故范蠡一生虽有辉煌业绩，却在以后的历史长河中无缘与历史名人共同载入史册（除史记外）。但在司马迁的记载中，我们至少可以看出，在汉初以前，人们对商人并没有这么歧视，所以他能被记载到《史记》中，供后世泛读！

　　公元前四九六年前后入越，辅助勾践廿余年，终于使勾践于公元前四七三年灭吴。范蠡以为大名之下，难以久居，遂乘舟泛海而去。后至齐，父子戮力耕作，致产数十万。齐人闻其贤，使为相。范蠡辞去相职，定居于陶（今山东肥城陶山，或山东定陶）经商积资巨万，称“陶朱公”。

　　范蠡既能治国用兵，又能齐家保身，是先秦时期罕见的智士，史书概括其平生“与时逐而不责于人”。

　　范蠡侍奉越王勾践，与勾践运筹谋划二十多年，终于灭了吴国，洗雪了会稽的耻辱。越军向北进军淮河，兵临齐、晋边境，号令中原各国，来尊崇周室。勾践称霸，范蠡做了上将军。回国后，范蠡以为盛名之下，难以长久，况且勾践的为人，可与之同患难，难与之同安乐，于是他打点包装了细软珠宝，私自与他的部属乘船渡海而去，始终未再返回越国。

   范蠡乘船飘海到了齐国，更名改姓，在海边耕作，父子合力治理产业。住了不久，积累财产达几十万。齐国人听说他很有才能，让他做卿相。范蠡叹息道：“住在家里就积累千金财产，做官就达到卿相高位，这是平民百姓能达到的最高地位了。长久享受尊贵的名号，不吉祥。”于是归还了相印，全部发散了自己的家产，送给知音好友同乡邻里，秘密离去，到陶地住下来，自称陶朱公。

    大事年表

　　公元前536年（鲁昭公六年、楚灵王五年）范蠡出生宛地三户邑，其时孔子十五岁。

　　公元前516年（鲁昭公二十五年、楚平王十三年、吴王僚十一年）；宛令文种见范蠡，范蠡时年二十岁。

　　公元前511（鲁昭公三十一年、楚昭王五年、吴阖闾四年）；范蠡邀文种入越，时年范蠡二十五岁。

　　公元前494年（鲁哀公三年、楚昭王二十二年、越勾践三年）；勾践兵败西于会稽山，始重用范蠡、文种等。范蠡时年42岁。

　　公元前493年（鲁哀公二年、楚昭王二十三年、越勾践四年）；勾践、范蠡君臣入吴为奴，范蠡时年43岁。

　　公元前490年（鲁哀公五年、楚昭王二十六年、越勾践七年、吴夫差六年）；勾践、范蠡君臣离吴返越，范蠡时年46岁。

　　公元前486年（鲁哀公九年、楚惠王三年、越勾践十一年、吴夫差十年）；勾践欲起兵伐吴，范蠡劝阻，范蠡时年50岁。

　　公元前484年（鲁哀公十一年、楚惠王五年、越勾践十三年、吴夫差十二年）；吴再次伐齐，占于艾陵，越王君臣朝见吴王，君臣皆有贿赂，进一步麻痹吴人，夫差杀伍子胥。范蠡时年52岁。

　　公元前482年（鲁哀公十三年、楚惠王七年、越勾践十五年、吴夫差十四年）；吴、晋黄池之会，越师乘机袭击吴国，大败之，杀吴太子等，年底吴越讲和。范蠡时年54岁。

　　公元前479年（鲁哀公十六年、楚惠王十年、越勾践十八年、吴夫差十七年）；越兴师伐吴，兵至于五湖。范蠡时年57岁。

　　公元前478年（鲁哀公十七年、楚惠王十一年、越勾践十九年、吴夫差十八年）；三月，越伐吴、吴师还战于笠泽、双方夹吴松江而阵、越人大败吴师。范蠡时年58岁。

　　公元前475年（鲁哀公二十年，楚惠王十四年，越勾践二十二年，吴夫差二十一年）；十一月越围吴、范蠡采用围而不攻的战略，令吴师自溃。范蠡时年61岁。

　　公元前473年（鲁哀公二十二年，楚惠王十六年，越勾践二十四年，吴夫差二十三年）；年底，越灭吴，夫差自杀，范蠡时年63岁。

　　公元前468年（鲁哀公二十七年，楚惠王二十一年，越勾践二十九年）；越王实现霸业，范蠡即泛舟五湖，时年68岁。

　　公元前465年，越王勾践卒，时年范蠡71岁。

   公元前448年，范蠡卒，时年88岁！

  故事六：后世影响　　

  “劝农桑，务积谷”、“农末兼营”、“务完物、无息币”、“平粜各物，关市不乏，治国之道也。”、“夏则资皮、冬则资絺、旱则资舟、水则资车，以待乏也。” 等至今对现代的经济建设也有积极的现实意义。

　　范蠡是春秋末年杰出的政治家、大商人。

　　他还有一些值得注意的如农末两利的经济管理思想值得注意。《史记·货殖列传》载，范蠡认为：夫粜，二十病农，九十病末，末病则财不出，农病则草不辟矣。上不过八十，下不减三十，则农末俱利。平粜齐物，关市不乏，治国之道也。"

　　上文的大意是说：谷物粜的价格太贱则损害农民利益，农民受损　害不努力生产，农田就会荒废。谷物的价格太高则会损害工商业者的利益，工商业受损害无人从事工商业，就会使经济发生困难。谷价如果低至20就会损害农民，谷价如高至90就会损害工商业。如果把谷价限制在不低于30、不高于80的幅度内，就会对农业和工商业都有利。如能这样"平粜齐物"，关卡、市场都不匮乏，不就是治理国家的办法吗？

　　这里需要说明的是，以司马迁治史的求实精神来看，他的上述记载反映的无疑应是范蠡的思想。司马迁不把"农末俱利"的思想归于在管仲、孔子、子产等人名下，而单单记载在范蠡名下，说明他必有所根据。至于他据战国未以来的习惯用"末"来代替"工商"，则是他自己的改动。这点前人已经指出。还要说明的是，把谷价限制在不低于30、不高于80　的幅度内，《越绝书·计倪内经》所载，"籴石二十则伤农，九十则病末"。这样的谷物每石的价格与战国时李悝所说的粟石价30和汉代谷价大体相合。这可能也是汉代人用当时的习惯来表达范蠡思想的例证。虽然如此，这些小的改动并无损范蠡"农末俱利"思想的光辉。

　　春秋末年，范蠡提出的"农末俱利"的思想有重要意义。这表现在：首先，他提出了谷贱伤民、谷贵伤末的问题，通过把价格调整到一定范围内而作到"农末俱利"。这样既可以促进农业发展，又有利于工商业的发展，使国民经济各部门能够协调发展。其次，他明确提出了商品价格对生产与流通的作用，尤其是恰当地处理好谷价与其他商品价格的关系对生产与流通的作用。范蠡试图通过调整价格促进生产和流通，这都是通过经济手段而不是通过行政命令。这也是值得注意的。再次，怎样把物价控制在一定范围内呢？范蠡主张用"平粜"的办法，这就需要丰收年国家把粮收购储藏起来，在歉收年缺粮时国家再把粮食平价粜出，这样才能起到平定粮食和其他物价的作用，这就叫做"平粜齐物"。所以"平粜"是范蠡首先提出来的，战国时李悝推行平粜法和汉代设"常平仓"都是这一思想的发展与实践。因此，"平粜"思想的重要性也不可忽略。

　　范蠡有治国理财的实际经验，他提出的"农末俱利"的价格政策和"平粜齐物"的经济主张有重要的理论意义和实践意义。范蠡不愧是我国古代治国理财的杰出人物。

　　管仲、孔子、范蠡是春秋时期在经济管理思想方面有代表性的人物，他们在经济管理一些问题上的主张，可以反映那个时代的特点。

  故事七：相关作品

　　《计然篇》；在《国语·越语下》《史记·货殖列传》中均有记载；《汉书·艺文志》记有范蠡兵法二篇，但皆已流失。

　　陶朱公著有《陶朱公理财十二则》(可能是后人所托)，内容如下：

　　能识人：知人善恶，赈目不负。

　　能用人：因财器便，任事可赖。

　　能知机：善贮时宜，不致蚀本。

　　能倡率：躬行以率，观感自生。

　　能整顿：货物整齐，夺人心目。

　　能敏捷：犹豫不决，到老无成。

　　能接纳：礼义相交，顾客者众。

　　能安业：弃旧迎新，商贾大病。

　　能辩论：生财之道，开引其机。

　　能办货：置货不拘，获利必多。

　　能收帐：勤谨不怠，取讨自多。

　　能还帐：多少先后，酌中而行。

　　根据陶朱公的经商思想加工整理而成的《陶朱公生意经》，又称《陶朱公商经》、《陶朱公商训》或《陶朱公经商十八则》，至今仍在定陶一带流传。《陶朱公生意经》内容如下：

　　生意要勤快，懒惰百事废。

　　用度要节俭，奢华钱财竭。

　　价格要证明，含糊争执多。

　　赊欠要证人，滥欠血本亏。

　　货物要面验，滥入质价减。

　　出入要谦慎，潦草错误多。

　　用人要方正，歪斜托付难。

　　优劣要细分，混淆耗用大。

　　货物要修正，散漫查点难。

　　期限要约定，马虎失信用。

　　买卖要随时，拖延失良机。

　　钱财要明慎，糊涂弊端生。

　　临事要尽责，委托受害大。

　　账目要稽查，懈怠资本滞。

　　接纳要谦和，暴躁交易少。

　　主心要宁静，妄动误事多。

　　说话要规矩，浮躁失事多。

　　工作要精细，粗糙出劣品。

    诸葛长青：今天的企业家都要学习范蠡的儒商精神，用慈悲心救助贫困，展示圣贤之道。

 祝福天下有缘者有求必应、天官赐福、事业腾飞、财源广进！

（本文是诸葛长青原创文章，图片选自网络。欢迎转发，转发引用请注明出处）

诸葛长青简介：诸葛长青，中国国学传统文化传承弘扬者，愿与天下志同道合者一起“学习圣贤、弘扬善德、振兴中华、造福世界”。

（诸葛长青：zhuge8031@163.com）

Zhuge Changqing mailbox：

zhuge8031@163.com

  诸葛长青中国梦  

学习圣贤 弘扬善德

振兴中华 造福世界

Selected Articles in Previous Periods

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往期精选文章

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1The wisdom of traditional Chinese culture changes the destiny: filial piety to parents+five in one+self-improvement

1 国学智慧改命运：孝敬父母+五合一+自强不息

2Zhuge Changqing's Three Golden Keys to Changing Destiny

2诸葛长青改命运三把金钥匙诸葛长青施食仪轨 （十五步简洁版）

3Zhuge Changqing's Greeting Ritual (15 Steps Concise Version)

3 诸葛长青施食仪轨 （十五步简洁版）

4How to repent: the ritual of repentance and the method of repentance (full version)

4   如何忏悔：忏悔仪轨忏悔方法（完整版）

5How to read the Dizang Sutra: Methods for reciting Dizang Sutra (complete version)

5 如何念地藏经：念地藏经仪轨方法（完整版）

6How to release? The ritual of releasing life

6怎样放生？放生仪轨

7Zhuge Changqing's Repentance Culture: A Case Study of Repentance Methods for Changing Destiny

7诸葛长青忏悔文化：改变命运忏悔方法案例

8Free Life Culture: Free Life Culture in Ancient China

8放生文化：中国古代的放生文化

9Shocking photo of feeding: Buddha, Bodhisattva and Dharma Protector come to the scene

9施食震撼照片：佛菩萨护法神亲临现场

10Feeding Rite Return: the return is changed to simple return

10施食仪轨回向：回向修改为简洁回向