“The Straight Hook” is a reference to the story of the sage Jiang ZiYa in the 11th century BC. Jiang was a valued military advisor to the King, but left the court in disgust at the kings unethical and unrestrained abuse of power. He hid his identity and wandered in the countryside of what is now Shaanxi province, near Xian. Jiang came to spend his days sitting on a rock in the middle of a river, fishing with a straight hook.

Some thought him mad, some thought him wise. When the fish are ready they will come to me, he said.

When he was 72, the new king of Zhou, King Wen, went looking for the legendary strategist. Jiang was persuaded by King Wen’s integrity and returned to serve his court. King Wen later passed and his son Wu inherited the throne. King Wu of Zhou saw that the people of Shang were oppressed and decided to overthrow the king. Jiang advised him to be patient.

When the rule King of Shang had lost all restraint, and oppressed people had lost their loyalty, King Wu attacked. The Shang soldiers surrendered or join the Zhou army en masse and the battle was won.

King Wu and his successors went on to rule over much of China as the Zhou Dynasty. The strength and duration the dynasty was attributed in part to the adherence to the guidance of Master Jiang, who recommended above all to love the people, and minimize taxes, forced labor, and regulation.

The Straight Hook is currently on hold while we get established on the land here in San Cristobal. When it resumes I will post the newsletter and podcast here in blog form.

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