Fan Li: The Four Calamities and Four Blessings in Life

He is the revered "God of Wealth" Fan Li in later generations. Throughout his life, he achieved countless dreams—holding a high official position, amassing wealth, being accompanied by beautiful women, dying peacefully, and having children and grandchildren. He squandered his family fortune three times and started over three times, becoming a rare wise man who achieved success and retired gracefully, ending well.

On his deathbed, Fan Li left his son a timeless admonition: There are four calamities in life that cannot be avoided, leading to half a life of hardship; if avoided, wealth and honor will follow.

First Calamity: Verbal disputes, trouble from words.
Throughout history, many talented and ambitious people have fallen because of their mouths. Wu Zixu assisted King Wu of Wu in establishing his hegemony but was ultimately executed in the river for blunt advice and lack of restraint. Fan Li advised the king without direct confrontation, always considering the monarch’s dignity, accomplishing his tasks while protecting himself.

The truly wise know how to keep their mouths shut. Before speaking, ask yourself three questions: Should I say this? Will it hurt others? Is there a better way to say it? Out of ten sentences, if you can hold back nine, that’s true wisdom.

Second Calamity: Excess greed, self-destructive.
Fan Li’s business principle was consistent: earn ten dollars, keep only four, and share the remaining six with partners and the people. He understood that profits should not be taken to the extreme, and blessings should not be enjoyed to the fullest. His associate, Wen Zhong, who helped King Goujian of Yue, was greedy for power and refused to let go, ultimately ending in execution.

Greed is a human weakness but also a trap in life. Understanding how to share benefits widens the road; knowing contentment preserves one’s blessings.

Third Calamity: Arrogance and pride, overconfidence invites loss.
Han Xin was a hero of unmatched achievement, but due to a remark that “more troops are better,” he exposed his arrogance and sharpness, which ultimately led to his death. After helping King Yue of Wu destroy Wu and achieve hegemony, Fan Li voluntarily resigned and retired, sailing the Five Lakes, never boasting of his achievements.

When the moon is full, it wanes; when water is full, it overflows. When a person becomes arrogant and complacent, disaster follows. The higher the position, the more humble and low-key one should be; the more successful and smooth the journey, the more restraint is needed.

Fourth Calamity: Obsessive attachment, leading to self-destruction.
Qin Prime Minister Li Si pursued power his entire life, reaching the highest official rank, but before his execution, he lamented that he could no longer return home to hunt with his family. He was trapped by power and ultimately consumed by it.

Many pains in life stem from inability to let go. Obsession with fame and fortune, entanglement with gains and losses, and attachment to the past gradually drain us. Learning to let go is not giving up but freeing oneself to regain true freedom.

Fan Li’s life teaches us:
The highest wisdom in life is not conquering the external world but mastering oneself.
Avoid these four calamities: reckless speech, excessive greed, arrogance, and deep attachment. Control your words, guard your heart, restrain your temper, and let go of attachments. Only then can you walk steadily and far, and live a smooth life.