Dear Richard,
In ancient China, communication technology was very primitive. When attacked by enemies, emperors would set off fires on bundles of firewood. The firewood was mixed with wolves' faeces and other inflammable substances. The burning of the mixture would produce big clouds of smoke. It serves as a signal to call for help from miles away. This very important military facility could be found at various places on the hillsides of the palace.
In the Zhou (©P) dynasty, there was a very bad king, called You Wang («Õ¤ý). He didn't look after the country well. He only wanted to enjoy life with his queen, Bao Si (½Ç ©q). Bao Si was a very beautiful woman, however, she seldom smiled. You Wang did not give up a chance to find ways to make her happy. One day, the couple was drinking in the garden. Bao Si found bundles of firewood and was very curious of them. She was told their purpose but didn't quite believe. To prove that he didn't lie, You Wang then asked people to set off fires on the bundles of firewood. Within hours, the quiet hill was crowded with soldiers and armies from everywhere, expecting a fight with the enemies. Bao Si knew that all these people came here for nothing, and couldn't hold in from laughing.
You Wang wanted to please Bao Si and did this many times. He had destroyed completely the trust from the people on him. A few years later, when the real enemies came, no body responded to the fire. Yu Wang lost his defense and was killed in the battle.
Richard, have you ever led a group or tried to convince others to follow you? Have you been very successful? If not, what is the thing you need to gain from others? Give a thought on what mistake You Wang had made. I hope that you can get it.
With love, Dad