In Chinese Philosophy On Making & Chasing Money

Most thought leaders and business influencers say that you need to hustle and out work to gain wealth.

They say if you want money badly, you must chase after it.

However, based on the ancient Chinese philosophy that is being practiced today in China and other Asian countries,

We do not chase money!

On following the Chinese philosophy on making and chasing money, here are the famous school of thoughts. Let's start with...

1. Art Of War (The Way of Strategy) on Making & Chasing Money Strategy

The Art of War philosophy by Sun Tzu focuses on strategy and not physical work. All battles must be won with minimum resources and effort. This philosophy was used by merchants in ancient times like Fan Li.

Fan Li served as a trusted advisor to King Goujian of the State of Yue during the Spring and Autumn period (roughly 5th century BCE). After helping Goujian defeat the rival State of Wu.

Today, Fan Li is revered as a deity named Chai Sen Yea (Money God), and you can see most Chinese people worship him during each Chinese New Year to usher him to attract wealth and prosperity.

In the Art of War the principle is, to lure the enemy into a trap by means of deception. When the enemy falls for the bait, we then have the opportunity to attack the enemy to our advantage.

This simply means positioning yourself to attract wealth or money rather than hotly pursuing it by chasing.

Preparation and Planning: Sun Tzu focuses on studying the situation, preparing the right resources needed for the battle, and creating a plan that will ensure victory, so victory is firmly secured before even the battle takes place.

2. Taoism (The Way of Flow) On Making Money

Taoist philosophy, advocated by Lao Tzu, is based on the principle of Wu Wei, which means effortless action. It simply suggests, working without forcing or exceeding limits.

The Principle: You do not chase wealth through stress, tension, or force. When you are calm, centered, and aligned with your authentic path, financial clarity and opportunities naturally gravitate toward you. 

Contentment: A foundational Taoist teaching, often cited from the Tao Te Ching, is "He who knows he has enough is rich" (知足者富). True wealth is defined by your internal relationship with the present, not a numerical accumulation. 

3. Confucianism (Virtue and Structure) on Making Money Mindset

Confucius believes pursuing wealth without morality leads to social chaos.

Confucianism shifts the focus from wealth accumulation to personal development, discipline, and long-term planning. He talks about:

Righteousness vs. Profit: Confucius taught that "The superior man pursues ideals in his life while the small man pursues wealth."

Confucius saw wealth not as money accumulation only, but as something that should be placed on the importance of virtues because wealth must be earned in a moral and ethical way. You can say "Happy money" or wealth that brings you purpose, meaning, and happiness.

The small man's wealth is through accumulation by all sorts of means that are petty, selfish, and stem from a scarcity mindset, which leads to social chaos.

Long-Term Thinking: Rather than chasing get-rich-quick schemes, traditional Chinese values heavily prioritize saving first, frugality, and generational thinking.

This structured, brick-by-brick approach is why Chinese culture historically values steady, compounded wealth. 

3. Feng Shui and Energy (Qi) On Attracting Money

In both spatial and spiritual philosophy, money is considered a tangible representation of energy, or Qi.

The Attractor: Just like the famous beckoning cat (Maneki-neko) that invites fortune through its stillness, wealth is believed to be invited through the energy you radiate. 

Harmony Over Hustle: The general consensus in this philosophy is that if your life and surroundings are chaotic, the energy of wealth is repelled.