［圖說］
圖是范蠡與西施遊於江湖、全身而退的意境。
（一）范蠡懂得進退之道，他盱衡情勢不事吳楚而事越王，幫助越王勾踐與吳王夫差競爭。
（二）第一次夫椒之戰，越王戰敗，他勸越王容忍，委屈求全。經過十年養精蓄銳後，經過姑蘇戰爭終於打敗吳王，成為霸主。
（三）越王成功後，范蠡知道他立下大功，將成為越王的心腹大患，因此他就隱姓埋名，離開江南，才能全身而退。
（四）范蠡和西施到山東行商，每次賺大錢後，就會散盡家產濟助貧民及回饋鄉里，他知道不盈滿才能保全，利他才能長久。
［詩說］
商聖妙算事勾踐，輔君謀略戰吳雄。
初敗勸容退蓄勢，臥薪嘗膽霸業隆。
功高震主急流轉，㩗手佳偶江海中。
散金濟世安身退，不逐浮華壽與同。
［故事］
范蠡的故事展現了他高超的智慧、適應能力，以及在適當時機全身而退的遠見。他的人生體現了在政治與商業領域生存的原則，既能確保自身安全，又能獲得長遠的成功。
1. 選擇正確的效忠對象
范蠡深知選擇明主的重要性。他沒有選擇侍奉當時強盛的吳國或楚國，而是決定輔佐越王勾踐，因為他看到了越國崛起的潛力。在吳王夫差與越王的競爭中，他成為越國的重要謀臣，幫助勾踐籌謀國策，應對強敵。
2. 忍辱負重，以退為進
在第一次夫椒之戰中，越國慘敗。范蠡勸勾踐忍辱負重，向吳國屈服，以保存實力。他主張韜光養晦，等待時機。勾踐遵循其計策，隱忍多年，暗中積蓄力量。經過十年的養精蓄銳，越國終於發動姑蘇之戰，徹底擊敗吳王夫差，使越國成為霸主。
3. 功成身退，保全自身
雖然范蠡立下了赫赫戰功，但他深知「飛鳥盡，良弓藏」的道理。他觀察到勾踐為人多疑，擔心自己功高震主，終有一天會遭到猜忌。他果斷選擇隱姓埋名，悄然離開江南，避開可能的政治風險，從而保全自身，功成身退。
4. 經商致富，樂善好施
離開政治舞臺後，范蠡與西施前往山東經商，憑藉他的智慧與遠見迅速積累大量財富。然而，他從不過度貪戀金錢，每次賺取巨額財富後，他都會散盡家產，濟助貧困百姓，回饋鄉里。他深知「滿招損，謙受益」，不盈滿才能長久，樂於助人才能讓財富與幸福延續不斷。
范蠡的一生傳達了 「知進退、耐得住、懂得離場、樂於分享」 的智慧。他能夠在野心與謙遜、競爭與合作、個人利益與集體福祉之間取得平衡，最終成為歷史上最受敬仰的人物之一。
Fan Li’s story is one of strategic wisdom, adaptability, and the ability to retreat at the right moment. His life exemplifies the principles of survival in both political and economic arenas, ensuring both personal safety and long-term success.
1. Choosing the Right Allegiance
Fan Li understood the importance of aligning with the right ruler. Instead of serving the powerful states of Wu or Chu, he chose to assist King Goujian of Yue, foreseeing that Yue had the potential to rise. He played a key role in Yue’s struggle against Wu, helping his king navigate the fierce competition with King Fuchai of Wu.
2. Enduring Humiliation for Future Victory
In the First Battle of Fujiao, Yue suffered a devastating defeat. Fan Li advised King Goujian to endure the humiliation and submit to Wu, advocating patience and resilience. The king followed his advice, enduring years of hardship while secretly strengthening Yue’s forces. After a decade of careful planning and military preparation, Yue launched a successful campaign, culminating in the Battle of Gusu, where Wu was finally defeated, and Yue became the dominant power.
3. Retreating at the Height of Success
Despite his instrumental role in Yue’s victory, Fan Li understood that great achievements could breed political suspicion. Having observed Goujian’s ruthless nature, he realized that staying in court would eventually make him a threat to the king. To avoid becoming a target, he changed his name and left Jiangnan, ensuring his safety and preserving his legacy.
4. A Life of Giving and Renewal
After leaving the political world, Fan Li and the famous beauty Xishi moved to Shandong, where he became a merchant. His business acumen led him to great wealth, but he never sought excessive accumulation. Instead, each time he amassed a fortune, he would distribute his wealth to the poor and support his hometown. He understood that avoiding excess was the key to long-term security and that benefiting others ensured sustainable success.
Fan Li’s life teaches the importance of strategic retreat, patience in adversity, knowing when to leave, and the value of generosity. His ability to balance ambition with humility, competition with cooperation, and personal gain with collective well-being made him one of the most admired figures in Chinese history.
