The Philosophical Foundations of Speech in Chinese Thought

For millennia, Chinese civilization has developed a sophisticated understanding of the power and nuances of speech. The Chinese language itself reflects this depth with an extensive vocabulary describing different types of speech: “truthful words,” “honest words,” “kind words,” “harsh words,” “boastful words,” “empty words,” “conventional phrases,” “lies,” “vulgar language,” and “nonsense.” This linguistic richness mirrors the culture’s profound contemplation on verbal communication.

Proverbs and idioms about speech abound in Chinese tradition, offering timeless wisdom: “There are words within words,” “speak frankly,” “report secretly,” “when wine enters, the tongue comes out,” “much speech leads inevitably to mistakes,” “eat one more bite of rice, speak one less sentence,” “illness enters through the mouth, trouble comes out of it,” “if words don’t accord, half a sentence is too much,” and “hearing your words is better than reading books for ten years.” These sayings represent the distilled wisdom of generations.

Among ancient Chinese philosophers, Laozi (Lao Tzu), the great Daoist sage, offered particularly profound insights about speech in human interactions. His teachings, recorded in the Dao De Jing, continue to resonate today as we navigate the complexities of modern communication.

The Virtue of Beautiful Speech: Laozi’s Timeless Principle

Laozi articulated a fundamental principle: “Beautiful words can gain respect; beautiful conduct can elevate others.” This simple yet profound statement reveals how eloquent, thoughtful speech can command admiration and how virtuous actions can inspire those around us.

The character for “market” (市) in this context means “to obtain” rather than its literal meaning of buying and selling. As scholar Xi Tong explained: “‘Market’ here should be interpreted as ‘to obtain.'” Another commentator, Wu Cheng, noted: “This explains the treasure of good people. Good people use the Dao to gain others’ respect. Their admirable words are lovable, like beautiful objects that can be sold. Their outstanding conduct becomes a model, rising above ordinary people.”

This principle manifests clearly in interpersonal relationships. Thoughtful, well-articulated speech indeed earns respect—it becomes “the treasure of good people.” When virtuous individuals speak with wisdom, their “beautiful words” and “admirable speech” naturally inspire affection and esteem in others.

The Exemplar: Wei Zheng’s Courageous Counsel

The historical figure Wei Zheng (580-643 AD) perfectly embodies Laozi’s principle that “beautiful words can gain respect.” As a fearless advisor to Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, Wei Zheng’s eloquent remonstrations earned him respect both in his time and for generations afterward.

Wei Zheng’s most famous memorial to the emperor, “Ten Reflections for the Emperor,” remains remarkably relevant today. His ten considerations advised the emperor:

1. When seeing desirable things, “reflect on knowing sufficiency to restrain yourself.”
2. When planning major construction, “reflect on knowing limits to comfort the people.”
3. Regarding high position’s dangers, “reflect on humility to cultivate yourself.”
4. Fearing complacency, “reflect on how rivers and seas receive all streams.”
5. Enjoying pleasures, “reflect on moderation in hunting.”
6. Worrying about laziness, “reflect on caution at start and reverence at finish.”
7. Concerned about blocked channels, “reflect on openness to subordinates.”
8. Fearing slander, “reflect on correcting yourself to reject evil.”
9. When rewarding, “reflect on not misrewarding due to personal favor.”
10. When punishing, “reflect on not punishing excessively due to anger.”

In 639 AD, observing the emperor’s growing extravagance, Wei Zheng submitted another memorial, “Ten Gradual Failures to Maintain Virtue,” warning about ten areas where the emperor was gradually losing his earlier virtuous conduct. Deeply moved, Emperor Taizong had these words displayed on screens for daily reflection and preserved in historical records, saying: “It’s easy for subjects to follow their ruler’s wishes; going against them is especially difficult. You serve as my eyes and ears, constantly offering counsel. Hearing my faults, I can reform.”

Wei Zheng’s principled speech extended to personal matters. When Emperor Taizong proposed extravagant dowry for his daughter Princess Changle (double that of her aunt), Wei Zheng objected by citing historical precedent. The emperor accepted this criticism, and Empress Zhangsun praised Wei Zheng: “I’ve often heard Your Majesty praise Wei Zheng… Now I see him using ritual principles to restrain imperial whims—truly a minister who protects the state!”

Even when Wei Zheng’s blunt advice angered the emperor—who once complained, “I’ll kill this country bumpkin someday!”—the wise empress intervened. Dressing in formal court attire, she congratulated the emperor: “When rulers are wise, ministers are upright. Wei Zheng’s uprightness stems from Your Majesty’s wisdom—how could I not congratulate you?” This “beautiful speech” from the empress cooled the emperor’s anger.

After Wei Zheng’s death, Emperor Taizong mourned deeply, composing his epitaph and lamenting: “Using bronze as mirror, one can adjust clothes; using history as mirror, one can understand rise and fall; using people as mirror, one can recognize faults. I often used these three mirrors to examine myself. Now Wei Zheng has died, I’ve lost one mirror.” This mutual exchange of “beautiful speech” between ruler and minister contributed significantly to the golden “Zhenguan Era” of Tang prosperity.

The Wisdom of Restrained Speech: Knowing When Not to Speak

Laozi also taught: “Those who know don’t speak; those who speak don’t know.” This paradoxical statement suggests that true understanding often transcends verbal expression, while excessive speech may indicate superficial knowledge.

This principle operates on multiple levels. First, some truths—like Laozi’s “Dao that can be spoken is not the eternal Dao”—resist complete verbal expression. As Zhuangzi elaborated: “Debate is not as good as silence… The Dao cannot be heard… The ultimate speech is without speech.”

Second, wise individuals recognize when silence surpasses speech. The Chinese idiom “不言而喻” (self-evident without words) captures this—familiar people communicate through glances and gestures without speaking. In sensitive situations, “knowing but not speaking” demonstrates wisdom, while reckless speech invites trouble.

Third, the highest teaching occurs through action rather than words. Laozi advised: “The sage manages affairs without action and spreads teachings without words.” This “wordless teaching” leads by example rather than command.

Historical Illustrations of Prudent Speech

The ancient statesman Yanzi demonstrated this wisdom when advising Duke Jing of Qi. When the duke ordered a birdkeeper executed for losing birds, Yanzi ostensibly enumerated the man’s “three crimes”—each actually criticizing the duke: (1) losing birds, (2) making the duke kill a man over birds, and (3) making neighboring states think Qi valued birds over people. The duke, recognizing the implicit lesson, spared the keeper.

Yanzi also exemplified “wordless teaching” through personal conduct. Though prime minister of a powerful state, he lived simply—eating coarse grains, vegetables, and small portions. When the duke offered his beautiful daughter after seeing Yanzi’s aging wife, Yanzi declined. His humble behavior even transformed his charioteer, whose wife noted how the short prime minister sat thoughtfully while her tall husband drove arrogantly. The chastened driver reformed his manner.

In literature, Cao Xueqin’s Dream of the Red Chamber offers poignant examples. The simple-minded “Silly Girl” unknowingly reveals devastating news to Lin Daiyu about Bao-yu’s arranged marriage—a classic case of “those who speak don’t know.” Conversely, Bao-yu and Daiyu’s final meeting features minimal dialogue—their few exchanged words convey profound understanding, exemplifying “those who know don’t speak.”

The Power of Plain Speech: When Simple Words Carry Profound Truth

Laozi observed: “The Dao spoken seems bland and flavorless.” Truth often appears simple and unadorned. In human interactions, profound messages frequently come through plain language.

A striking modern example involves Henry Kissinger and Jerusalem’s “Fink’s Bar” in the 1970s. When Kissinger requested exclusive use of the tiny bar (with its five tables) for his entourage, owner Roshials refused: “You honor us, but refusing regular customers is impossible—they support this place.” Even after Kissinger reduced his party and apologized for initial rudeness, Roshials declined again because the requested evening fell on Sabbath. This principled plain speech—rooted in business ethics, friendship, personal dignity, and religious conviction—made Fink’s world-famous.

Similarly, Winston Churchill’s 1940 wartime speech as new British prime minister exemplified “profound truth plainly spoken.” Brief (under 1,300 Chinese characters), it acknowledged “the most grievous ordeal” ahead while declaring: “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.” His simple, powerful words—focusing on victory as the sole objective—galvanized a nation.

Churchill’s personal life also reflected this principle. At 26, he accepted his mother’s controversial marriage to a man his age, though warning about future age disparity. Later, when the prediction proved true and his mother returned, he welcomed her warmly without “I told you so.” Similarly, he forgave his wife’s emotional estrangement during his political ascent, writing: “For years I’ve known my emotional debt to you… I pray to give you happiness and security.” Their reconciliation demonstrated how returning to fundamental truths often requires simplest expressions.

The Enduring Legacy of Speech Wisdom

From Laozi’s ancient insights to modern examples, these principles of speech retain remarkable relevance:

1. Thoughtful, principled speech earns lasting respect (Wei Zheng)
2. True wisdom often resides in restraint (Yanzi, Bao-yu/Daiyu)
3. Profound truths frequently emerge through simple language (Fink’s, Churchill)

In our era of constant communication—where words proliferate but wisdom often seems scarce—these time-tested principles remind us that how we speak reflects who we are. Whether in leadership, relationships, or daily interactions, recognizing speech’s power and pitfalls remains essential for meaningful human connection across cultures and centuries.