Figures of Taoism: Wei Shikang 韦世康

Wei Shikang (531–597) was a minister of the Sui Dynasty. He was from Duling, Jingzhao (southeast of present-day Xi'an, Shaanxi).

His family had long been a prominent clan in the Guanzhong region (to the west of the Hangu Pass). At the age of 10, he was appointed as the chief clerk by the prefecture. At 20, during the Northern Wei Dynasty, he was enfeoffed as Duke of Han'an County and granted the title of Yitong Sansi (Equal to the Three Ducal Ministers). During the Northern Zhou Dynasty, he was promoted to Shang Kaifu (Grand Master of Splendid Feats). After entering the Sui Dynasty, he held successive positions as Minister of Rites, Minister of Personnel, and Governor of Jingzhou, and was further enfeoffed as Duke of Shangyong Commandery. He governed with simplicity and tranquility, winning praise from contemporary discussions.

Philosophically, he leaned toward Taoism and embraced Laozi's thought of knowing when to stop and seeking retirement, "once sighing with a sincere desire to know when to stop" (Book of Sui·Biography of Wei Shikang).

He advocated that "regarding non-greed as a treasure, and staying untainted even in positions of wealth and power" (ibid.). Adhering to Laozi's idea of being cautious against excess and overabundance, he asserted that "official salary need not be excessive; when it is about to overflow, one should retreat; years do not wait for old age; when illness comes, one should resign" (ibid.).

He believed that "retiring after achieving merit" was "a constant way of the ancients" (ibid.). He repeatedly expressed his intention to resign from office and retire in accordance with Laozi's thought of knowing when to stop and seeking retirement.

His biography is recorded in Book of Sui (Volume 47).