Dubang: A Closer Look at Culture

　　 I. Dubang's Original Vision

　　My motivation or inspiration when I registered the "Dubang" trademark in 2009 was this: My birthplace is the No. 4 Production Team of Machuan Brigade, Songwan People's Commune, Xichuan County. From as far back as I can remember, I’ve often heard villagers talking about my father’s kind deeds and his commitment to doing good. Thanks to these stories—and despite the fact that our family runs a vinegar factory and my grandmother was the beloved daughter of a wealthy landowner—we remained completely unaffected during the Cultural Revolution.

　　Ma Chuan Village was one of the larger villages in Xichuan County at the time, home to 12 production teams living together as a single community. My father was always strict with himself yet deeply empathetic toward others’ difficulties, often stepping in to lend a helping hand. As a result, he earned the respect of more than 3,000 villagers. Growing up, I myself enjoyed these "generous privileges"—whenever someone in the village cooked up something delicious, they’d simply invite me over to share the meal at our home. One memory that stands out vividly is the tradition of placing ceramic bowls by the roadside well. Our house was located about 200 meters from the main road, which at the time served as a vital transit route for people traveling from parts of Shaanxi Province and even farther into Henan’s Xichuan County—including areas like Jingguan, Siwan, Xihuang, Laocheng, Dashiqiao, and Taohé—on their way to Hubei. Along this busy thoroughfare stood a well capable of holding water for up to eight people simultaneously, and its crystal-clear, exceptionally high-quality water made it a cherished stop for travelers. To ensure that passersby could always access clean drinking water while maintaining proper hygiene, my father, Li Quande, decided to place ceramic bowls right beside the well. To guarantee a steady supply of bowls year-round for those in need, he made it a point to buy them in bulk—whole boxes at a time—starting when I was just old enough to remember. By the time I began school at age five, I’d already taken on the "important responsibility" of checking daily after school whether any bowls were missing. If a traveler accidentally broke one, or if a struggling family had taken it away—or even if a beggar claimed it—I’d promptly replace it, never once scolding anyone for doing so.

　　My father’s spirit of loving and helping others has been deeply imprinted on my heart—and it subtly shapes the way I act every day. As I grew older, the idea of starting my own business to help even more people began to take root within me. After all, helping others ultimately helps ourselves; this principle shouldn’t just stay within my family—it deserves to become a core part of our company culture as well. In 2009, armed with my ID card, I officially registered the trademark “Dubang.” My father’s philosophy behind Dubang has already become an integral part of who I am, and now I’m determined to ensure that this same mindset flows through every employee who joins me in expanding our business—and even into the very hearts of the customers we serve.

　　 2. To help others, first help yourself

　　Degree: To help others, first help yourself. It also carries the meaning of "transcending" or "delivering," which is synonymous with "helping." If you want to guide others—showing them how to live, how to be a better person, and how to handle their tasks—you must first master these lessons yourself.

　　1. First, you need to clearly understand the other person’s role, current situation, and the root of their challenges—and determine whether you have the ability to guide them effectively.

　　It’s wrong to judge or dictate how others should act based on your own assumptions when you don’t fully understand their situation. This is exactly what Chairman Mao meant when he said, "Without investigation, there can be no basis for making decisions." Similarly, Mencius observed, "The greatest trouble for people lies in their tendency to act as teachers to others."

　　Why should we stop people from harboring untimely, intrusive thoughts? Because such untimely interference goes against the natural order—it doesn’t benefit oneself and may even invite disaster, while also potentially causing trouble for others. As the ancients wisely said, "Harm often stems from kindness"; "If you set things in motion at the right moment, all transformations will remain stable"; and "Without understanding the natural balance, reckless actions lead to calamity."

　　2. So, how can we clearly understand others' roles, current situations, and the root causes of their problems?

　　When you look at others, you yourself become a mirror—how can you objectively reflect their true, external image? The key lies in shedding preconceived biases and gaining a deep understanding of human nature, the diverse roles people play, the typical patterns (natural laws) inherent in various challenges, and the underlying motivations driving them. Only then can you clearly see where the other person currently stands within their broader journey—and, by extension, anticipate where they’re headed next. Ultimately, identify what will fuel their future progress, and gently guide them forward in harmony with these natural forces. Never attempt to act against these principles, as doing so would only lead to unintended consequences.

　　3. So, how can we actually observe these natural laws?

　　Laozi, through the *Tao Te Ching*, outlines a concrete approach: observe—not with personal biases or distractions. Watch an event unfold from its initial spark through its growth, prosperity, and eventual decline, identifying the key factors that drive each stage. In doing so, you’ll grasp the underlying principles governing how things naturally evolve.

　　4. How can one observe without letting personal biases or distractions creep in?

　　That is to empty oneself—essentially, letting go of the ego. To achieve this state of selflessness, one must first recognize the existence of the self.

　　5. So, how do we recognize ourselves?

　　To truly understand yourself, you need to step back and observe—not just your outward actions, but also your inner nature, the patterns of your personal growth, and the driving forces behind your development: in other words, your very destiny. Start by exploring your emotions—both positive and negative—beginning with how they’ve shaped you in the past and how they manifest in the present. First, acknowledge and embrace these feelings, whatever their nature may be. Next, ask yourself: Why am I experiencing this emotion? Who—or what—is triggering it? Could it be because a particular need of mine hasn’t been met? Meanwhile, consider how the other person might be feeling. Are they also struggling with unmet needs? Is the source of tension rooted in differences in our beliefs, behaviors, communication styles, or even habits? And finally, reflect on whether the other person has the capacity to change—and whether *you* might need to adapt in order to prevent these challenging emotions from recurring. This process of emotional exploration can help clarify your core beliefs and behaviors, bringing clarity to both your professional and personal life. As a result, you’ll find yourself less tangled in frustration or discomfort, ultimately cultivating a deeper sense of inner peace and tranquility. Finally, make it a habit to regularly check in with your inner self: What kind of person do you aspire to be? What truly matters to you? Are your desires aligned with your current reality—and are you consistently making time to fulfill them? After all, loving yourself means embracing who you are, thoughtfully analyzing your thoughts and actions, recognizing your true needs, and wholeheartedly working to meet them.

　　6. How can you fulfill your own needs?

　　It’s primarily achieved by getting things done. Getting things done means going with the flow—leveraging key moments to exert influence. This involves recognizing and transcending one’s own nature, while also aligning with the inherent traits of others. In this way, you guide everyone involved toward your planned objectives, tailored to their individual goals. For instance, human nature tends to be lazy, but when you acknowledge laziness as a natural tendency—both in yourself and others—you can turn it into an advantage. After all, people naturally gravitate toward those who are diligent and proactive. By embracing this principle of "holding yin while embracing yang"—balancing humility with ambition—you can become more efficient and effective in your interactions and professional endeavors. Ultimately, adopting a proactive, hardworking attitude in both personal relationships and public affairs not only earns you respect and recognition from others but also creates a powerful momentum that propels you closer to achieving your own aspirations.

　　7. Only those who truly love themselves possess a compassionate heart—enough to feel and recognize the love others have for them, and in turn respond with acts of love themselves. It is only when one can see through another’s confusion, struggles, hardships, and difficulties that they’ll naturally be moved to care for others and help them overcome their challenges. This is precisely the essence of why self-transformation must precede helping others.

　　 3. Help others by first helping yourself

　　Help: Help yourself by helping others first. If you want others to lend you a hand when you’re in trouble, start by extending your own support to them—this is the principle of "give before you take." Human nature often leads us to prioritize receiving over giving. Yet, when we align ourselves with the generosity of others—those who are naturally inclined to share and care—we may find ourselves inspired to do the same. In fact, being influenced by their kindness can even transform *us* into more giving and compassionate individuals. By consciously stepping beyond our own self-centered tendencies and tapping into the innate generosity of others, we not only make a positive impact on those around us but also earn their admiration. They’ll come to see us as someone truly kind-hearted and generous at heart—and perhaps even feel honored to be able to help us in return someday. This is the essence of "helping yourself by helping others."

　　This philosophy of self-improvement that also helps others aligns perfectly with the principles of "revering heaven and loving people" and the timeless wisdom of "to gain, first give." While it’s true that humans are driven by their desire for wealth—after all, this is a natural, even inevitable part of human nature—and selfishness often comes naturally as well, deep down, everyone still gravitates toward those who can rise above their own instincts, particularly when it comes to valuing money. In fact, people instinctively hold a profound sense of admiration for individuals who not only avoid harming others’ interests but actively work to enhance them, going so far as to create opportunities that benefit both parties. Such leaders understand others’ challenges, step in promptly to ease their burdens, and empower them to thrive. Ultimately, these are the kinds of people who transcend their own nature while respecting and embracing the unique qualities of those around them—making them truly exceptional trailblazers. In the context of business management, when leaders ensure they neither strip away nor undermine their employees’ interests, but instead safeguard and even amplify them, helping employees discover values that go beyond mere financial rewards, they win their teams’ loyalty. As a result, employees become not just content but genuinely enthusiastic and committed to working happily and wholeheartedly for the organization—forever bound to its success.

　　 IV. The Second Meaning of Dubang

　　Degree: To measure, to act with moderation, ensuring balance and impartiality—essentially, having a clear sense of proportion in both thought and action. It means understanding and aligning with the trends of the times (opportunities presented by "heavenly timing"), anticipating the future of your industry, staying attuned to government strategies, and accurately assessing your company's current position (advantages of location). At the same time, it involves deeply resonating with the needs and aspirations of your customers, employees, and even your leadership team—fostering mutual satisfaction and shared success (harmony among people). When all these factors are carefully measured and balanced, the resulting decisions will undoubtedly empower your business to secure opportunities for survival and sustainable growth in the future.

　　Helping naturally leads to benefiting not only the company’s employees, customers, and boss, but also the local community—and even people around the world. This globally-minded cultural philosophy will also empower everyone to move toward a brighter future.

　 　5. Case Studies

　　1. To help others, first help yourself. This aligns with the ancient principles of self-cultivation, governing the state, managing the family, and bringing peace to the world. If you lack the ability or understanding, attempting to assist others will only create more chaos.

　　1) During the Three Kingdoms period, Cao Cao’s strategist Jiang Gan twice volunteered to travel to Eastern Wu to persuade Zhou Yu to surrender. However, due to his insufficient understanding of Zhou Yu, Jiang Gan ended up being manipulated by him instead. The first time, Jiang Gan managed to steal a forged letter supposedly from Cai Mao and Zhang Yun pledging allegiance to Eastern Wu, which led Cao Cao to mistakenly execute these two crucial naval commanders, severely weakening his own fleet. The second time, Jiang Gan brought back Pang Tong, who advised Cao Cao to link the warships together with iron chains—to alleviate the sailors’ seasickness—but ironically, this very move created the perfect conditions for Zhou Yu’s devastating fire attack. Ultimately, Cao Cao suffered a crushing defeat at the Battle of Chibi.

　　2) In 621 AD, Dou Jiande led an army of 100,000 troops toward Luoyang to aid Wang Shichong, who was under siege by Li Shimin. However, Dou Jiande misjudged the situation and was ultimately defeated by Li Shimin at Hulao Pass. He himself was captured, leading to the complete annihilation of his forces. This ill-timed move not only failed to help Wang Shichong but also hastened his eventual downfall.

　　2. Help yourself by helping others.

　　During the Northern Song dynasty, Emperor Taizong of Song, Zhao Guangyi, once hosted a banquet in the palace and invited Palace Guard Commander Kong Shouzheng and Left Xiaowei General Wang Rong to join him for an enjoyable drinking session. However, after just a few rounds of wine and several courses of delicious food, both men quickly became thoroughly drunk and utterly disoriented.

　　They actually ended up arguing right in front of the emperor about whose military achievements at the border were more significant—each stubbornly sticking to their own version, even going so far as to hurl insults and vulgarities at each other that were utterly unacceptable. The next day, after sobering up, they finally realized how absurd their behavior had been. Both knew full well that acting impulsively while drunk had landed them in serious violation of the current dynasty’s laws and court etiquette. So, they hurried to the Golden Hall to confess their mistakes and voluntarily accept whatever punishment was handed down. To their surprise, however, Emperor Zhao Guangyi casually replied, "To be honest, I can’t recall a single thing either of you said or did just now. After all, I was equally intoxicated—I doubt I was any less tipsy than you two!"

　　Seeing the emperor gracefully dismiss yesterday’s incident and even refrain from holding them accountable for their own breach of etiquette left Kong and Wang utterly astonished—and deeply moved to tears with gratitude. From that moment on, they vowed to devote their lives entirely to serving and repaying the emperor’s kindness, dedicating themselves wholeheartedly to the nation. Meanwhile, the other court officials, witnessing the emperor’s remarkable generosity and his heartfelt care for his ministers, grew even more awestruck and respectful toward Zhao Guangyi. As a result, they united in spirit, working together with unwavering loyalty and diligence to serve the country faithfully.