Stratagem knowledge and the art of life management in the Chinese tradition: from sacred experience to knowledge management

Abstract

The study is devoted to the analysis of stratagem knowledge in the Chinese cultural tradition and its role in shaping the phenomenon of the “art of life management.” Stratagems are considered not only as a set of military and political techniques but also as a special type of strategic thinking that combines the rational and the irrational, the explicit and the hidden. It is demonstrated that in ancient China stratagem knowledge had a sacred status, was protected by the state, and was transmitted only to selected bearers, which ensured its preservation and significance for national security. At the same time, historical evolution expanded its application –from military art to diplomacy, state governance, and educational practice. Particular attention is paid to the concept of the “art of life management” as the highest form of humanistic wisdom in the Chinese tradition. It was associated with the personal virtue of the ruler, Confucian ethics, and the ability to guide society through personal example. The present research highlights the relationship between stratagem knowledge and modern knowledge management: the historical Chinese experience demonstrates a unique combination of respect for tradition and readiness for innovation, which creates a cultural basis for rethinking knowledge management today. It has been concluded that further research into stratagem thinking as a sociocultural phenomenon is promising and important for the development of knowledge management theories.