Who is Yang Shu Guang 疏广?

Shu Guang 疏广 (Western Han Dynasty Taoist), styled Zhongweng, was from Lanling, Donghai (southwest of present-day Cangshan County, Shandong).  

From childhood, he was diligent in study. In his early years, he taught at home, attracting numerous disciples. Later, he was summoned to serve as a Doctor, Grand Master of Central Affairs, and Imperial Tutor to the Crown Prince. Together with his nephew Shu Shou (Deputy Imperial Tutor to the Crown Prince), he was highly esteemed by Emperor Xuan of Han and received multiple rewards, earning honor for the entire court. Philosophically, he upheld Laozi’s view of knowing when to stop and seeking withdrawal. While serving as Imperial Tutor with an illustrious reputation, he voluntarily resigned to return home. He stated: "I have heard, 'Contentment spares one disgrace; knowing when to stop spares one danger,' and 'Achieving merit then withdrawing is the way of heaven' (present-day *Laozi*, Chapters 44 and 9). Now that I have attained a high rank with a salary of two thousand dan and established both official and personal fame, if I do not leave now, I fear regret later. Is it not better for father and son to retire together, return to our hometown, and live out our lives in peace?" (*Book of Han·Biography of Shu Guang*).  

He firmly believed in Laozi’s teachings and resolutely left the court without hesitation. Holding the view that wealth should be regarded with caution, he argued that wealth is a negative force in all circumstances, bringing no good to either the wise or the foolish. He asserted: "If the wise possess abundant wealth, it weakens their ambition; if the foolish possess abundant wealth, it increases their errors. Moreover, wealth invites the resentment of others. Since I lack the means to morally instruct my descendants, I do not wish to increase their errors or invite resentment" (ibid.).  

Guided by this philosophy, after returning home, he spent all the money he had earned in court on banquets for old friends and guests, rather than purchasing land for his descendants. He said that the family’s existing fields, if tilled diligently by his descendants, would suffice to maintain a modest livelihood. Acquiring more land would only make them lazy and bring no benefit. His deeds and words are recorded in *Book of Han*, Volume 71.