2025年6月6日 星期五

赐美利堅国敕书

模仿乾隆皇帝敕諭 


中華人民共和國主席習近平敬致美利堅合眾國總統唐納德·特朗普閣下:

念及兩國人民往來之久,友誼之深,互利合作之重要,深感欣慰。遙望太平洋兩岸,各有所長,本應相輔相成,共謀發展,造福兩國乃至全球福祉。

近聞貴國就貿易問題屢有新舉,尤其疊加關稅之策,此實非全球經貿之通途,亦非互利共贏之正道。貿易往來,貴在公平誠信,互通有無,方能促進繁榮。我國素秉開放之宗旨,深知唯有交流合作,方能共同進步。然貴國一再施以單邊措施,致使全球產業鏈遭受波及,兩國企業與民眾亦蒙受損失。為維護自身合法權益及國際貿易秩序,我國不得不採取必要應對之策,此乃迫於形勢,不得已而為之。貿易之爭端,應以平等對話解決,重啟協商,共尋良策,方為兩國之福祉,亦為世界之幸。

至於兩國學子之交流,素為增進理解、傳承友誼之要道,亦是文明互鑒之橋樑。我國素來歡迎各國青年學子來華學習,亦鼓勵我國學子赴海外深造,以開拓視野,融會貫通,共創人類文明之璀璨。然近來貴國針對我國留學生之歧視性待遇與不公限制,實令眾多學子心生疑慮,亦有損學術自由之精神。學術交流應秉持開放包容之原則,不應設置無端障礙,更不應將學術問題政治化。望貴國能秉公處置,確保學子之合法權益,維護人文交流之純粹,俾使兩國青年得享公平學習之環境,互鑒文明,共創未來。

望閣下能審時度勢,高瞻遠矚,秉持開放合作之精神,恪守國際法規,共建互惠互利之局面,方能惠及兩國人民,澤被天下蒼生,成就兩國關係之穩健長遠。

特此函諭。

中華人民共和國主席 習近平

[日期,例如:二零二五年六月六日]



《乾隆皇帝致英吉利国王敕书》的全文(简体字版),通常也被称为《赐英吉利国敕书》:


奉天承运皇帝敕谕𠸄咭唎国王知悉:

咨尔国王远在重洋,倾心向化,特遣使恭赍表章,航海来廷,叩祝万寿,并备进方物,用将忱悃。

朕披阅表文,词意肫恳,具见尔国王恭顺之诚,深为嘉许。所有赍到表贡之正副使臣,念其奉使远涉,推恩加礼。已令大臣带领瞻觐,锡予筵宴,叠加赏赉,用示怀柔。其已回珠山之管船官役人等六百余名,虽未来京,朕亦优加赏赐,俾得普沾恩惠,一视同仁。

至尔国王表内恳请派一尔国之人住居天朝,照管尔国买卖一节,此则与天朝礼制不合,断不可行。

且天朝所管地方至为广远,凡外藩使臣到京,译馆供给,行止出入,俱有一定体制,从无听其自便之例。今尔国若留人在京,言语不通,服饰殊制,无地可以安置。若必似来京当差之西洋人,令其一例改易服饰,天朝亦从不肯强人以所难。设天朝欲差人常住尔国,亦岂尔国所能遵行?况西洋诸国甚多,非止尔一国。若俱似尔国王恳请派人留京,岂能一一听许?是此事断断难行。岂能因尔国王一人之请,以致更张天朝百余年法度。

若云尔国王为照料买卖起见,则尔国人在嶴门贸易非止一日,原无不加以恩视。即如从前博尔都噶尔亚,意达哩亚等国屡次遣使来朝,亦曾以照料贸易为请。天朝鉴其悃忱,优加体恤。凡遇该国等贸易之事,无不照料周备。前次广东商人吴昭平有拖欠洋船价值银两者,俱饬令该管总督由官库内先行动支帑项代为清还,并将拖欠商人重治其罪。想此事尔国亦闻知矣。外国又何必派人留京,为此越例断不可行之请,况留人在京,距嶴门贸易处所几及万里,伊亦何能照料耶?

若云仰慕天朝,欲其观习教化,则天朝自有天朝礼法,与尔国各不相同。尔国所留之人即能学习,尔国自有风俗制度,亦断不能效法中国,即学会亦属无用。天朝抚有四海,惟励精图治,办理政务,奇珍异宝,并不贵重。尔国王此次赍进各物,念其诚心远献,特谕该管衙门收纳。其实天朝德威远被,万国来王,种种贵重之物,梯航毕集,无所不有。尔之正使等所亲见。然从不贵奇巧,并无更需尔国制办物件。是尔国王所请派人留京一事,于天朝体制既属不合,而于尔国亦殊觉无益。

特此详晰开示,遣令贡使等安程回国。尔国王惟当善体朕意,益励款诚。永矢恭顺,以保乂尔有邦,共享太平之福。

除正副使臣以下各官及通事兵役人等正赏加赏各物件另单赏给外,兹因尔国使臣归国,特颁敕谕,并锡赉尔国王文绮珍物,具如常仪。加赐彩缎罗绮,文玩器具诸珍,另有清单,王其祗受,悉朕眷怀。

特此敕谕

Investigating Principles to Generate Wealth: The Way to Worldly Abundance

Investigating Principles to Generate Wealth: The Way to Worldly Abundance


To achieve worldly abundance and accumulate wealth, one can gain profound insights by applying the principles of physics, as described by Christine McKinley [xi, 8]. Understanding the laws of the universe empowers one to make and achieve things with "amazing effect" [xi]. This wisdom illuminates the path to financial prosperity.

  • Test Your Hypothesis: Experiment Without Ceasing To advance in business and accumulate wealth, you must approach challenges with the rigour of scientific inquiry. When encountering business difficulties or doubts (e.g., "Why is revenue declining?"), first, conduct thorough background research to understand the underlying causes and listen attentively. Then, formulate a hypothesis to propose a solution (e.g., "Perhaps altering our sales strategy will yield better results?"). Next, test this hypothesis with diligent effort and analyse the outcomes. If the results are not as desired, formulate a new hypothesis. This iterative process fosters continuous improvement and adaptability, transforming ignorance into wisdom and paving the way for success, deeply embodying the idea that "you can do anything you want" by applying intelligence, ultimately leading to notable achievement.

  • Make Space: Actively Fill the Void Understand that "nature abhors a vacuum". If you create empty spaces in your life, whether by reducing unnecessary tasks or personal desires, you must swiftly and intentionally fill them with your chosen pursuits. If such voids are left unfilled, "nature will do it for me," filling them with distractions or uninvited commitments. Therefore, you must "take control of both the vacating and the filling", focusing diligently on business planning and wealth accumulation, guarding against idleness that leads to unproductive consumption.

  • Keep It Real: The Necessity of Numbers "Math was the only language we could use to accurately describe bacteria growth, air pressure, and waterfalls". Similarly, honesty and precision are crucial for understanding financial reality. Embrace "seeing things as they are", examining your finances, emotional needs, or time spent. Do not shy away from quantifying feelings or evaluating results, as this reveals "snapshots of reality". Those who are proficient with numbers are not swayed by conjecture, are confident in their financial discernment, and can compare options effectively, avoiding the "paradox" and "absurdity" of financial disarray.

  • Don't Spin: Conserve Your Energy The first law of thermodynamics states: "energy is neither created nor destroyed, but it can change forms". Your mental and physical energy is finite. Therefore, avoid unproductive "wheel-spinning" activities like excessive worrying, complaining, or over-scheduling. Such actions convert valuable potential into "useless smoke, noise, and burning rubber". Instead, alternate between intense effort and genuine rest. Like runners who benefit from alternating between "gut-busting race pace" and "true rest pace," dedicated rest ensures you return to your work "ready for action" and "much more efficient".

  • Use a Crowbar or Two: Leverage Your Efforts "With enough mechanical advantage, you can move anything". Embrace the principle of mechanical advantage, seeking and utilising "crowbars" in your business and wealth-building endeavours. These "crowbars" can be tools, processes, or relationships, enabling you to exert small forces to achieve great effects. Be willing to "ask and you shall receive" from collaborators or funders, as they "can't know what I need if I don't tell them". Furthermore, be a "crowbar" for others, fostering mutual support to enhance collective achievement. Even modest compensation, or simply "gratitude and cookies," can secure assistance, for "this hard work doesn't have to be such hard work".

  • Check Your Direction: Observe Momentum and Trajectory Momentum combines mass and velocity, but "direction" is paramount. For a venture to progress, its members must be "headed in the same direction". If partners or teams "start out heading in the same direction, their combined momentum... is impressive". Conversely, if members "were going in opposite directions... they will work against each other," leading to stagnation or "a twisted mess of parts at a total standstill". Constantly "check your direction" to maintain shared values and goals, enabling even "tiny person[s]" to "push a bowling ball" through focused, combined effort.

  • Prepare to Float: Build Your Hidden Structure A successful venture, like an iceberg, requires a "huge, invisible structure under the waterline". This "underwater structure" is built through unseen daily efforts: diligent learning, research, planning, and continuous self-improvement. Just as "complaining about how busy I am or wondering what my life would be like if I were born wealthy is not going to keep me afloat", such effort must be consistent and substantive. "Lack of preparation" inevitably leads to "sinking". Understand that "more practice, workouts, and studying are required than we thought" to ensure your venture's buoyancy, allowing it to "sail to my destination".

  • Let the Universe Make the Rules: Align with Cosmic Laws For us to navigate life toward "giddy freedom and giggly happiness," we must understand the operating principles of this universe and use them to our advantage. Christine McKinley's experience taught her that pursuing an education and aligning with fundamental principles were crucial for a better future, contrasting with "cult leaders" who "make up our own laws" and ignore reality. Do not force the world to conform to your assumptions; instead, align with natural and market realities to avoid pitfalls and wasted time.

  • Use Your Power Wisely: Innovate and Secure Yourself Innovations are often met with resistance from the status quo. Reflecting on the "nastiest clashes of ideas in modern history" like the Edison-Tesla rivalry, it's clear that to make your capabilities apparent, you must understand their practical application. Be aware of the times and circumstances, as McKinley suggests, balancing new ideas with social acceptance to achieve recognition and financial gain. Furthermore, prepare for the unexpected, secure your livelihood, and control your resources. This proactive approach ensures stability and resilience, allowing you to handle challenges with composure.

  • Cultivate Mystery: Maintain Intrigue Things have both apparent and hidden aspects, and communication has elements of disclosure and concealment. Just as the electron's behaviour is famously elusive, its very unpredictability adds to its allure. In social interactions or business negotiations, do not reveal every detail; retain a degree of mystery. This encourages others to delve deeper and allows you to maintain an advantageous position by not being fully transparent too soon. "Overdisclosure kills interest. Mystery fuels it".

  • Respect Other Points of View: Embrace Diverse Perspectives Perspectives are multifaceted, each holding its own validity, much like Einstein's theory of relativity. Therefore, in managing and planning, it is crucial to be open to diverse viewpoints and gather extensive knowledge. Understanding client needs, discerning market shifts, and grasping global trends enables effective adaptation and success, preventing one from being constrained by narrow views—this is a swift path to prosperity.

  • Enjoy the Miles to Go: Embrace the Journey of Learning "Math is the language of the universe, and its precision is the foundation of all things". The journey of scientific inquiry has no end; the journey itself is rich with reward. Even if ultimate mastery is not achieved, the insights gained along the way are profoundly useful. Continuously learning and refining your skills increases wisdom and accumulates wealth, revealing new opportunities and perhaps even completing the unfinished work of those who came before. As the author states, "Even if you don't become an engineer or a scientist, learn to think like one". It means: "Even when situated in this moment and place, with a mind directed towards abundance, all things can be harnessed to guide you along a path of brilliance".

格物生財:達世間豐裕之道

 

格物生財:達世間豐裕之道

夫何以能致富積財,達世間豐裕之境?若依克里斯汀‧麥金利氏以格致之法,審視人倫事務,則可獲深遠之啟迪,洞察生財之機。蓋宇宙之法則既明,則能決事、能成事,其效卓著 [xi, 8]。此理之於財富,亦能光昭其道。

  • 窮理致用:驗其臆說無輟 欲謀進業致富,必以窮理之嚴謹,審視其難。 每遇事業難關,或生疑竇(如「何以財源不繼?」),當先廣徵背景,察其因由,傾耳諦聽。乃立一臆說,擬其解方(如「或改其行商之術,可得佳果?」)。繼而驗此臆說,竭力試之,析其結果。若不遂所願,則復立新臆說。此循序漸進之法,使人持續精進與應變化愚為智開拓生途,深明「善用其智,則萬事皆可為」之理,終致功顯。

  • 天地惡虛:有心實之 須知「天地之性,惡虛好盈」。 人若於生命中留有空隙,或減冗務,或省私欲,則當速而有心以其志向所歸者實之。若其虛空不補,則「物將代我而為之」,以雜務或不請之約填補之。故當**「自主其虛與其實」**,於事業規劃與財富累積上,必專心致志,慎防懈怠而致空耗。

  • 務求真確:數之所必需 「數學乃唯一能精確描繪萬物之語言」。同理,坦誠與精確亦為描繪財富實相之要諦。 當樂於「見其本真」,審察財用、情需,抑或共處之時。毋避量化情感,或評估結果,此乃明察「實相之片羽」。善算者,不為世俗所惑,自信明辨財務,比較優劣,避財富失序之「悖謬」與「荒誕」。

  • 節用其力:毋徒轉其輪 熱力學首律云:「能量不生不滅,惟形變耳」。 人身心之能有涯。故當避無益之「徒轉其輪」之行,如過度憂慮、怨尤、日程過滿。此等行徑,耗寶貴之潛能,化為「無用之煙、聲、焦橡」。當勞逸相間,真誠休歇。猶競走者,得益於「搏命競速」與「真實休養」之交替,此專心休歇,使人回歸事業時「準備就緒」,「效率倍增」。

  • 善用外援:善用杠桿 「力足則無往不克」。採「事半功倍」之理,於事業與財富累積中尋並用其「杠桿」。此等「杠桿」可為器械、程序,或人際關係,使施小力而得大效。當**樂於「求之而必得」**於合作者或資助者,蓋彼不知汝需,何能助之。復當自為彼之「杠桿」,成互助之態,以增集體之功。雖報以薄酬,甚至僅以「感恩與餅餌」相報,亦可得人助,蓋「此勞非苦」。

  • 方向一致:察其動勢與動量 動量者,質與速兼具,然「方向」為首要。欲使事業前進,必使成員「同向而行」。若伉儷或團隊「初同向而行,其合動量…甚巨」。反之,若成員「反向而行…則相悖」,致停滯或「盤繞糾結」。當恆「察其方向」,以維共同價值與目標,使「微渺之人」亦能因專注合力,而「推動巨石」,成就非凡。

  • 築隱基:備其漂浮 成功之事業,猶浮冰,須「水下有巨形隱匿之結構」。此「水下結構」築於日常不顯之功:勤於學習、鑽研、策劃,持續自進。猶「怨尤無益於浮」,故其功必須實而恆。「缺乏準備」必致「沉淪」。當領悟「所需練習、鍛煉、學問遠超所想」,以保事業浮力,使其「駛抵彼岸」。

  • 順應天道:任宇宙作則 吾人欲駕馭人生,達自由與樂,唯有明乎宇宙之運行法則,並善用之。 吾輩在夏休期間,從事勞動,始知學識乃開拓坦途之基。毋強求世界遵循吾輩之臆斷,當順應自然與市場之常規,方能趨吉避凶,免陷於窘境而空耗歲月。

  • 智用其能:革新與自保 創新者常為守舊者所拒。 觀愛迪生與特斯拉之爭,可見欲顯其能,必明其道。當識時務、察世情,如麥金利氏之言,新意與社交並重,方得世之認可,而致財利。亦當未雨綢繆,自備生計,掌控資源,則能安居樂業,有備無患,即便遇險境,亦能從容應對。

  • 藏露有節:以養玄機 夫事有虛實,言有藏露。猶電子之難測其行,然此亦為其魅力所在。於世事往來,或營業談判,毋盡數底細,留三分玄機,則能引人深究,亦能自葆其利,不為人所盡知而佔先機。「過度披露則失其趣,保持神秘則增其引」

  • 虛心納諫:廣納眾議 夫觀點萬千,各有其理,猶愛因斯坦之言相對論。故於經營謀事,當虛心納諫,廣聞多識。體察客戶之需,洞悉市場之變,明察四方之勢,方能應萬變而制勝,不為執見所蔽,此乃致富之捷徑也。

  • 恒學不輟:享受旅程 「數學乃宇宙之語言,其精密性為萬事之礎」窮理之途,無有止境,此旅程本身即富足。雖未臻大成,然過程中之所得,足以致用。恒學不輟,精進不止,則智慧日增,財富日積,新機自顯,或能承前人未竟之業,開萬世之太平。故曰:「雖身處此時此地,然心嚮豐裕,則萬物皆為所用,助汝行往光明之途」


物理明訓:齊家睦子長久之道

 

物理明訓:齊家睦子長久之道

夫所以維繫婚姻永固,使子女情篤,其道何哉?若循機匠克里斯汀‧麥金利氏以格致之本法,審視人倫,則可得深遠之啟迪。蓋宇宙之理既明,則事能決、能行,績效優越 [xi, 8]。此理之於人倫,亦能光昭家道之和睦與恆久。

  • 格物窮理之法:驗證其臆說無輟 欲令夫婦和順,子嗣昌盛,必以究理之嚴謹,審視其難。每遇爭執,或生疑竇(如「何以彼此常生齟齬?」),當先窮究背景,省察舊事,傾耳諦聽。乃立一臆說,擬其解方(如「或易其言談之術,可得佳果?」)。繼而驗此臆說,竭力試之,析其結果。若不遂所願,則復立新臆說。此循序漸進之法,猶孟德爾之於豌豆,得持續精進與應變,使人倫日新,益臻美善。

  • 有心實虛:物性惡虛 須知「物性惡虛」。人若於生命中留有空隙,或減冗務,或省私欲,則當速而有心以其志向所歸者實之。若其虛空不補,則「物將代我而為之」,以雜務或不請之約填補之。故當「自主其虛與其實」,於夫妻親子之情義時間與心力上,必專心致志,以滋養婚姻與家庭之情誼。

  • 務求真確:數之所必需 「數學乃唯一能精確描繪菌生、氣壓、瀑流之語言」,同理,坦誠與精確亦為描繪人倫實相之要諦。當樂於「見其本真」,審察共生之「數」,無論財用、情需,抑或共處之時。毋避量化情感,或評估結果,此乃明察「實相之片羽」。務使「度量衡得宜」——意即清晰表達需求與期望——以避家庭失序之「悖謬」與「荒誕」。

  • 節用其力:毋徒轉其輪 熱力學第一律云:「能量不生不滅,惟形變耳」。人身心之能有涯。故當避無益之「徒轉其輪」之行,如過度憂慮、怨尤、日程過滿。此等行徑,耗寶貴之潛能,化為「無用之煙、聲、焦橡」。當勞逸相間,真誠休歇。猶競走者,得益於「搏命競速」與「真實休養」之交替,此專心休歇,使人回歸關係時「準備就緒」,「效率倍增」。

  • 明辨結緣:識其原子之性 觀人倫之道,當以「原子之本性」及「結緣」為鑑。當識己之「原子本性」——汝為「貴氣」(自得其樂之獨處者)抑或「共合」(求伴侶者)——亦識伴侶與子女之性。當尋其「結緣之性」相輔者。強求「不合之緣」,或欲改其「原子本性」,乃「耗能、爆發,且或留殘骸」。反之,當順應本性,接納家人之根性,蓋「天下之緣皆有其所」。

  • 應變壓力:必有所捨 理想氣體律(壓體積等數溫常乘)示人:於密閉系統,若一變數固定,他者必應變。婚姻家庭亦然,當有定數(如外務之期、資源之限),則關係中必有所捨。臨壓毋驚,當預為籌劃「所擁之資,所能成事」。此自覺之應變,使人能從容應對挑戰,免不必要之壓力,維繫家庭之和諧。

  • 繪力圖:明其所問 欲解人倫之困,當先「明其所問」,繪「力圖」。辨其作用於關係或家庭目標之「虛擬向量」:「升力」(自信、熱情),「重力」(謹慎、務實),「推力」(抱負、行動),及「阻力」(雜務、分心)。圖示諸力,便可巧「縮其矢或長其矢」——或減外在「阻力」,或增「推力」以共進——使關係循所欲之向而行。四力均衡,乃穩定之基

  • 善用外援:善用杠桿 採「事半功倍」之理,於關係家庭中尋並用其「杠桿」。此等「杠桿」可為器械、程序,或人際關係,使施小力而得大效。當樂於「求之而必得」於伴侶或子女,蓋彼不知汝需,何能助之。復當自為彼之「杠桿」,成互助之態,以增集體之功。「力足則無往不克」

  • 從挫中學:愛其崎嶇處 當知「磨而不殺者,予我來日之礎」。人倫之「崎嶇處」,或過往之「挫跌」(如爭執、舊傷),非僅失敗,乃為「痕跡」,予日後穩定以「抓力」。毋滯於此,當藉此經驗「制心之摩擦表」,分析所得,以「精進來日之行」。面臨「烏冰」(不期而至之關係巨難),過往經驗將助汝「不亂」、「緩剎」,並「尋其軌道」,終固其緣。

  • 方向一致:察其動勢與動量 動量者,質與速兼具,然「方向」為首要。夫婦家室欲其前進,必使成員「同向而行」。若伉儷或家族「初同向而行,其合動量…甚巨」。反之,若成員「反向而行…則相悖」,致停滯或「盤繞糾結」。當恆「察其方向」,以維共同價值與目標,使「微渺之人」(家庭個體)亦能因專注合力,而「推動保齡球」。

  • 築隱基:備其漂浮 成功之關係,猶浮冰,須「水下有巨形隱匿之結構」。此「水下結構」築於日常不顯之功:勤於溝通、共擔責任、專心傾聽、持續自進。猶「怨尤無益於浮」,故其功必須實而恆。「缺乏準備」必致「沉淪」。當領悟「所需練習、鍛煉、學問遠超所想」,以保關係浮力,使其「駛抵彼岸」。

  • 導其亂序:控其無序 熱力學第二律宣告:「亂序恆增」。人雖不能阻生命關係中亂序之增,然可「擇其當者,導之以類」。當辨「良亂」(如隨性之冒險、創意之氣、促進成長之健康辯論)與「惡亂」(如散亂、未解之爭、不必要之戲劇)。學會「導亂於不介意處」,如輕微之個人散亂,使核心關係得維其序而強。猶愛因斯坦任其車亂,專注宇宙,當擇「一無關緊要之地以聚熵」,以保精力於生命關係之至要處。

若能恆守此等物理之理,則婚姻家室可於「紛雜之世得立足」,決事明智,處難從容,終至「光華之未來」。


Physics's Clear Instructions: The Way to Harmonious Family and Loving Offspring for Longevity

Physics's Clear Instructions: The Way to Harmonious Family and Loving Offspring for Longevity

To cultivate an enduring and affectionate marriage and foster strong relationships with your offspring, drawing upon the wisdom of mechanical engineer Christine McKinley's application of fundamental physics laws, one can find profound guidance. Just as understanding the universe's mechanics allows for informed decision-making and optimal performance [xi, 8], so too can these principles illuminate the path to relational harmony and steadfastness.

  • Embrace the Scientific Method: Continuously Test Your Hypothesis For a relationship to flourish, approach its challenges with the empirical rigour of a scientist. When a conflict arises, or a question surfaces (e.g., "Why do we keep misunderstanding each other?"), engage in background research by reflecting on past interactions and listening deeply. Formulate a hypothesis about potential solutions (e.g., "Perhaps a different communication strategy will yield better results?"). Then, test this hypothesis with conscious effort and analyse the results. If the outcome isn't as desired, construct a new hypothesis. This iterative process, much like Gregor Mendel’s patient work with peas, allows for continuous refinement and adaptation, ensuring the relationship evolves and improves.

  • Intentionally Fill the Void: Nature Abhors a Vacuum Understand that "nature abhors a vacuum". When you create space in your life – perhaps by reducing work commitments or individual pursuits – you must swiftly and intentionally fill that void with elements that align with your relationship's overarching goals. If left empty, "nature will do it for me", filling it with distractions or unwanted commitments. Actively "take control of both the vacating and the filling" of relational time and emotional capacity, ensuring that any newly available space is consciously devoted to nurturing the bonds of marriage and family.

  • Insist on Clarity: The Necessity of Numbers Just as "math was the only language we could use to accurately describe bacteria growth, air pressure, and waterfalls", so too is honesty and precision crucial for describing the reality of your relationship. Be willing to "keep it real" by examining the 'numbers' of your shared life, be it finances, emotional needs, or time spent together. Do not shy away from quantifying feelings or assessing outcomes, as this provides a clearer "snapshot of reality". Ensure "units are in good order" – meaning clear communication of needs and expectations – to avoid "nonsensical results" and "absurd outcomes" in your family dynamics.

  • Conserve Energy: Don't Spin Your Wheels The first law of thermodynamics states: "Energy is neither created nor destroyed, but it can change forms". Your emotional and temporal energy is finite. Therefore, avoid unproductive 'wheel-spinning activities' such as excessive worrying, complaining, or over-scheduling. These actions convert valuable potential energy into "useless smoke, noise, and burning rubber". Instead, alternate periods of intense relational engagement with genuine rest. Like a runner who benefits from alternating "gut-busting race pace" with "true rest pace", mindful rest allows you to return to the relationship "ready for action" and "much more efficient".

  • Understand Bonding: Know Your Atomic Identity View relational dynamics through the lens of "atomic nature" and "bonding". Understand your own "atomic identity" – are you a "noble gas" (contented loner) or a "sharing bonder" (seeking partnership)? – and that of your partner and children. Seek partners whose "bonding natures" are complementary. Forcing an "unsuitable bond" or attempting to change one's fundamental "atomic identity" is "energy-consuming, explosive, and likely to leave dangerous left-over parts". Instead, embrace who you are and who your family members are at their core, accepting that "there’s a place for every type of bonder in the world".

  • Manage Pressure: Something Has to Give The ideal gas law (PV = nRT) teaches that in a closed system, if one variable is fixed, others must adjust. Similarly, in a marriage or family, when a variable is fixed (e.g., external deadlines, limited resources), something else in the relationship must adjust. Instead of panicking under pressure, proactively decide "what resources are available to you and what you can realistically achieve". This conscious adjustment allows you to navigate challenges gracefully, avoiding unnecessary stress and maintaining composure within the family unit.

  • Diagram Forces: Clearly State the Problem To solve relational problems, first "clearly state the problem" by drawing a "free body diagram". Identify the "virtual vectors" acting upon your relationship or family goals: "Lift" (confidence, enthusiasm), "Weight" (caution, reality), "Thrust" (ambition, action), and "Drag" (competing priorities, distractions). By visually representing these forces, you can strategically "shrink or grow the arrows" – perhaps by reducing external "drag" or amplifying "thrust" through shared endeavours – to steer the relationship in your desired direction. A balance of all four forces is essential for stability.

  • Leverage Support: Use a Crowbar or Two Adopt the principle of "working smarter, not harder" by finding and utilising "levers" within your relationship and family. These "crowbars" can be tools, processes, or relationships that allow you to apply a small force for a large effect. Be willing to "ask and you shall receive" from your partner or offspring, as they cannot offer help if they do not know your needs. Furthermore, be prepared to be the "crowbar" for them in turn, fostering a symbiotic relationship where mutual support amplifies collective efforts. "With enough mechanical advantage, you can move anything."

  • Learn from Setbacks: Love Your Rough Spots Recognise that "that which does not kill us gives us traction for the next time". "Rough spots" or past "wipeouts" in a relationship (e.g., arguments, past hurts) are not mere failures but rather "scars" that provide "grip" for future stability. Instead of dwelling on them, use these experiences to "create mental friction tables", analysing what happened to "improve future performance". When facing "black ice" – unexpected and significant relational difficulties – your past experiences will equip you to "not panic," "pump the brakes," and "find your traction", ultimately strengthening the bond.

  • Align Direction: Check Your Motion and Momentum Momentum is defined by both mass and velocity, but "direction" is paramount. For a marriage and family to move forward effectively, ensure that all members are "headed in the same direction". If a couple or family unit is "initially going in the same direction, their combined momentum... is impressive". Conversely, if members are "going in opposite directions... they will work against each other", leading to stagnation or "a twisted mess". Regularly "check your direction" to maintain shared values and goals, enabling even "tiny people" (individuals within the family) to "push a bowling ball" through focused, aligned effort.

  • Build a Hidden Foundation: Prepare to Float A successful relationship, much like an iceberg, requires a "huge, invisible structure under the waterline". This "underwater structure" is built through consistent, unglamorous efforts: diligent communication, shared responsibilities, active listening, and continuous personal growth. Just as "no amount of complaining... is going to keep me afloat", so too must efforts be tangible and consistent. "Lack of preparation" inevitably leads to "sinking". Embrace the fact that "more practice, workouts, and studying are required than we thought" to ensure the relationship's buoyancy and ability to "sail to its destination".

  • Direct Inevitable Chaos: Control Your Chaos The second law of thermodynamics declares that "disorder is always increasing". While you cannot prevent the increase of chaos in your life and relationships, you can "cultivate the right amount and type". Distinguish between "good chaos" (e.g., spontaneous adventures, creative energy, healthy debates that lead to growth) and "bad chaos" (e.g., disorganisation, unresolved conflicts, unnecessary drama). Learn to "direct chaos into places in your life where you don't mind it hanging out for a while", such as minor personal disorganisation, allowing your core relationship to remain ordered and strong. Like Einstein who embraced a messy car to focus on the universe, choose "an inconsequential place for entropy to gather" to preserve energy for the most vital aspects of your life and relationships.

By consistently applying these physics principles, a marriage and family can gain a "firm footing in a squishy world", make wise decisions, respond to challenges with composure, and ultimately achieve a "glamorous future".


賈道維新:小賈致用物理之指南

 

賈道維新:小賈致用物理之指南

經商之道,變幻莫測,欲求穩固,似為難事。然機械匠師 兼《物理之於搖滾巨星》 撰者克莉絲汀·麥金利(Christine McKinley) 獨辟蹊徑,倡以物理之根本定律,化解日常諸難。蓋明宇宙之運轉,賈者可察事理,決疑斷行,且臻業精而身心平衡之境。

經營之物理:策劃與運營之道

  • 採實證之法以循序漸進 如科學家之臨難,小賈亦當奉實證之法以定商策。此法循序:首問其題繼究其本源 (如市況、競爭者之考察),三立其假說 (如商策或新興之務),四實之以驗 (如試行計畫、新貨發售、或定向推廣),五析其果,得其論六告其成。要者,若所論不符所設,則須復立新說,如孟德爾 勤於豌豆之究,乃臻精微。此反覆之學,助其不斷進益,適應變化。

  • 謀定而後動:「天地不容虛」之理 當識「天地不容虛」之理。故當君於賈事中清空冗雜 — 簡其流程,授以職責,或明為暇時 — 則當速而盈之,以合己之大計。若其空置,麥金利戒曰:「天地必自為之」,以「隨手可得」之物 充之,或致徒勞無益之分心 或非所願之承諾。盈虛皆操之,方可確保所增之能,皆為商務之進步。

  • 數字之不可或缺:務求真實 務須精研數術。蓋「數術乃唯一能確切描述菌生、氣壓與瀑流之語」。同理,亦為確切描述賈事實況之語。方程式,如「能量守恆」,可「簡潔或令人神往」地 概括繁複之理。於小賈而言,數術之識,於明財貨、察市勢、較交易、圖績效 甚為要緊。君乃「為創者而非拾者,為設計者而非試錯者」。且記單位勿亂,以尺寸之析 證其算無謬,免生「荒誕之果」。

  • 節省能量:勿徒勞空轉 應奉熱力學首律(能量守恆之理) 於日常運營:「能量不生不滅,惟轉化耳」。君所擁能量(時、財、力)有限。故麥金利勸誡,勿行「徒勞空轉之舉」,如過度憂慮、繁瑣之事、怨懟之言,或虛飾日程。此皆將潛能化為無益之動能。反之,當勞逸相兼,有作有息,如跑者之竭力疾馳與真切歇憩。此法可增其效,免其精疲。

  • 識其本性以合和之道:夥伴關係之吸引與結合 以「原子本性」 及「結合之行」 視商場人際與合作。猶如原子求「滿外層電子軌道」 以結合致穩,商賈與個人亦然。君當識賈事之「原子本性」 (如君為「惰性氣體」 獨樂,抑或為「共享結合者」 求等侶),並擇其「結合之性」相輔相成者。務求志同道合,方免「亂麻一團,寸步難行」。強求不合之「結合」,恐「甚耗力,易爆裂,且遺危險之殘餘」。

  • 以氣體定律御壓:必有所變 氣體定律(PV = nRT) 示閉系中壓、量、溫諸變數之關聯。於商賈言之,即一變數既定(如期限固、資限),他者必應變。麥金利勸其勿於壓力下惶恐,當「即刻決所可用之資,與所能致之功」。此可令君於挑戰時從容應對,免於「倉皇失措」。

  • 以力線圖明其題:分析外力 麥金利敦促,欲解其惑,首當以「力線圖」明其題。此圖可視其「力之方向與大小,推拉其身」。於賈事之目標,當辨虛擬之向量 (信心、熱情), (謹慎、實情), (抱負、行動), (競爭計畫、分心)。察此諸力,君可策略性地「縮伸其箭」,施力於最效處,使君之所行,少情志而多可為。四向量皆衡,方得「穩定」,免「坐困於地」。

  • 善用槓桿:事半功倍 當採「巧力而不費力」之理。君當尋賈事中之「槓桿」:工具、流程、或關係,使其「施小力」而獲「大力」之效。此或為善委任、用科技、或求賢達。願為求助,蓋「人不聞吾求,何以助我」。記曰:「槓桿得力,萬物可移」。

  • 從「磨礪」中求學:愛其阻力 當識「殺不死吾者,益我以後行」。猶如摩擦予跑者以抓地,昔日挫折 或「顛仆」 可成「瘢痂」,予君「再進所需之抓力」。麥金利建議,勿沉溺於失敗,當「心作摩擦表」 以析之,增益未來之績,使君「過彎更疾,勝於未有此者」。當君遇「黑冰」 (不測之大難),君將知「緩其速,尋其止。此非脫軌之時」。

  • 明其方向與動量:察其所向 動量之義,具質量 與速度,然方向至為關鍵。務須確保君之賈事,與其中人,皆「同向而行」。同心之團隊,可「眾志成城,同向推進」。縱「微人」 (或小賈) 「疾步以動」,亦可「推巨石」,足見專注之力,指向之功。反之,若「各奔異途」,則致「亂麻一團,寸步難行」。

  • 奠基以求浮沉:浮力 賈事之成,猶如浮冰,需有**「水下巨構,隱而不見」**。此為靜默籌謀、勤勉勞作之無華之舉,乃興賈事之浮力。麥金利強調:「所需之練習、訓練、研習,常出人意料」。勿「為省力而推遲必要之備策」,蓋備不足則沈。

  • 馭其混沌:熱力學第二定律 熱力學第二定律云:「混沌日增」。君雖不能止其亂,然可「培養適度之亂」。辨其「善亂」 (如創意之思) 與「惡亂」 (如雜亂無章,漫無目的)。擇「於無關緊要處聚熵」 (如愛因斯坦 亂車中之物,以專心於宇宙之理),君可導其亂離主務,使其於賈事與生活中「馭其混沌」。

若能恆持此物理之理,小賈可於此「變幻不定」 之世得「穩固立足之地」,明智決斷,從容應對挑戰,終致「錦繡前程」。


Navigating the Business Universe: A Small Business Owner's Guide to Physics


Navigating the Business Universe: A Small Business Owner's Guide to Physics

In the complex, often unpredictable world of small business, finding a stable footing can feel like an impossible task. However, Christine McKinley, a mechanical engineer and author of "Physics for Rock Stars", offers a unique and powerful framework for success: applying the fundamental laws of physics to daily issues and their solutions. By understanding how the universe operates, business owners can gain clarity, make informed decisions, and cultivate a more balanced and successful professional life.

The Physics of Business Strategy and Operations:

  • Embrace the Scientific Method for Iterative Growth Just as a scientist approaches a new problem, a small business owner should adopt the scientific method for business strategy. This involves a structured process: asking a clear question, conducting background research (market analysis, competitor studies), constructing a hypothesis (your business strategy or new initiative), testing it with an experiment (a pilot programme, a new product launch, or a targeted marketing campaign), analysing the results and drawing conclusions, and finally, reporting these results. Crucially, if your initial conclusion doesn't align with your hypothesis, you must be prepared to return to step three and construct a new hypothesis, much like Gregor Mendel meticulously refined his understanding of pea genetics. This iterative approach fosters continuous learning and adaptation.

  • Strategic "Space Making": Nature Abhors a Vacuum Recognise that "nature abhors a vacuum". When you create a void in your business – perhaps by streamlining inefficient processes, delegating tasks, or consciously freeing up time on your calendar – be proactive and swift in filling that space with something productive and aligned with your strategic goals. If you neglect to do so, McKinley warns that "nature will do it for you" with "anything available," which could lead to unproductive distractions or unwanted commitments. Taking control of both the vacating and the filling ensures that newfound capacity serves your business's advancement.

  • The Indispensable Nature of Numbers: Keep It Real Cultivate strong mathematical literacy because "math was the only language we could use to accurately describe bacteria growth, air pressure, and waterfalls". Similarly, it's the only language to accurately describe your business reality. Equations, like E=mc², offer a "succinct or sexy" way to encapsulate complex ideas. For a small business owner, mathematical literacy is vital for understanding finances, analysing market trends, comparing deals, and confidently graphing business performance. It allows you to become an "inventor rather than scavenger, designers rather than slaves to trial and error". Remember to keep your units straight and use dimensional analysis to ensure your calculations make sense and avoid "nonsensical results".

  • Optimise Energy: Don't Spin Your Wheels Apply the first law of thermodynamics (conservation of energy) to your operations: "energy is neither created nor destroyed, but it can change forms". You possess a finite amount of energy (time, capital, effort). Therefore, McKinley advises avoiding "wheel-spinning activity" such as excessive worrying, fussing, complaining, or over-explaining busy schedules. These convert potential energy into unproductive kinetic energy. Instead, alternate between intense, productive work and genuine rest, mirroring a runner who alternates "gut-busting race pace" with "true rest". This approach ensures greater efficiency and helps prevent burnout.

  • Understanding Attraction and Bonding in Partnerships: Know Your Type Think of business relationships and partnerships in terms of "atomic identities" and "bonding behaviours". Just as atoms seek "full outer orbitals of electrons" to bond and form stable compounds, businesses and individuals seek fulfilling partnerships. Understand your business's "atomic identity" (e.g., are you a "noble gas" content working alone, or a "covalent bonder" seeking equal partnerships?) and seek partners whose "bonding personalities" complement yours. Ensure shared goals and a common direction to avoid a "twisted mess of parts at a total standstill". Forcing incompatible "bonding" can be "terribly energy-consuming, explosive, and likely to leave dangerous leftover parts".

  • Managing Pressure with the Ideal Gas Law: Something Has to Give The ideal gas law (PV = nRT) demonstrates how variables like pressure, volume, and temperature are interconnected in a closed system. In a business context, this means that when one variable (e.g., a fixed deadline, limited resources) is constrained, something else must adjust. Instead of panicking under pressure, McKinley advises you to "decide right away what resources are available to you and what you can realistically achieve". This allows for a more controlled and effective response to challenges, preventing you from ending up "answering the door in your underwear".

  • Analysing Forces with a Free Body Diagram: Clearly State the Problem To solve any problem, McKinley urges you to first state it clearly by drawing a "free body diagram". This simple sketch helps visualise the "direction and magnitude of each force pushing or pulling on a body". For your business goals, identify the "virtual vectors" of lift (confidence, enthusiasm), weight (caution, realities), thrust (ambition, action), and drag (competing projects, distractions). By examining these forces, you can strategically "shrink or grow the arrows" to apply force where it will be most effective, making your actions less emotional and more "doable". You need all four vectors balanced for "stability" and to avoid "sitting on the tarmac for years".

  • Leveraging Mechanical Advantage: Use a Crowbar or Two Adopt the principle of "working smarter, not harder". Identify the "crowbars" in your business: tools, processes, or relationships that allow you to exert "modest force" to achieve a "larger force" outcome. This could involve delegating effectively, utilising technology, or seeking expert advice. Be willing to ask for help, as "people around me can't know what I need if I don't tell them". Remember that "with enough mechanical advantage, you can move anything".

  • Learning from "Rough Spots": Love Your Friction Understand that "that which does not kill us gives us traction for the next time". Just as friction provides grip for a runner, past setbacks or "wipeouts" can create "rough scars and calluses" that provide the "grip you need for your next try". Instead of dwelling on failures, McKinley suggests you "make mental friction tables" to analyse them and improve your future performance, allowing you to "squeal around corners faster than we ever could without them". When you hit "black ice" (unexpected major setbacks), you'll know to "pump the brakes. Find your traction. You're not driving off the road, not this time".

  • Clarity of Direction and Momentum: Check Your Direction Momentum is defined by both size (mass) and speed (velocity), but crucially, also by direction. Ensure that your business, and everyone involved, is "headed in the same direction". A team with common goals will create "powerful collective pushing in the same direction". Even a "tiny person" (or small business) "with a big running start" can have enough momentum to "push a bowling ball," illustrating the power of focused, directional effort. Conversely, heading in "different directions" can result in "a twisted mess of parts at a total standstill".

  • Prepare to Float with Strong Foundations: Buoyancy Success in business, much like a floating iceberg, requires a large, "invisible structure underneath the waterline". This represents all the quiet, unglamorous efforts of research, planning, organisation, and hard work that create your business's "buoyancy". McKinley stresses that "more practice, workouts, and studying are required than we thought". Do not be "tempted to... put off the needed preparation", as a lack of it leads to "sinking".

  • Control Your Chaos: The Second Law of Thermodynamics The second law of thermodynamics states that "disorder is always increasing". While you cannot prevent chaos, you can "cultivate the right amount and type". Identify "good chaos" (e.g., creative brainstorming) versus "dangerous, unproductive chaos" (e.g., disorganisation, unfocused effort). By choosing "an inconsequential place for entropy to gather" (like Einstein's messy car floor, allowing his mind to focus on organising the universe), you can direct inevitable disorder away from critical business functions, allowing you to "reign over chaos" in your business and life.

By consistently applying these physics-based principles, a small business owner can gain a "firm footing in a squishy world", make more astute decisions, and navigate challenges with greater insight and confidence, ultimately leading to a more "glamorous future".