In the fast-paced world of business, where buzzwords and jargon often dominate the landscape, it’s easy to overlook the deeper meanings behind the words we use every day. As someone who has been working for nearly two decades and has run a company for over ten years, I find myself constantly using the term “enterprise” or “company,” which translates to “qi ye” in Chinese. However, it wasn’t until recently that I began to ponder the origins and implications of this translation.

Living in Hong Kong has exposed me to a unique blend of languages and cultures, where ancient Chinese words still retain their original meanings, often lost in modern Mandarin. One such example is the phrase “qi ding ding,” commonly seen on signs in the city’s MTR stations, reminding people to stand still on escalators. In Cantonese, “qi” means to stand, a meaning that has vanished from the Mandarin lexicon.

This realization struck me one morning as I was transcribing the ancient Chinese text, Tao Teh King, in an effort to find inner peace. I came across a sentence that read, “Those who establish themselves cannot stand; those who cross cannot succeed” (qi zhe bu li, kua zhe bu xing). Here, “qi” is used to describe someone standing on tiptoes, eagerly seeking something. It was at this moment that the connection between “qi” and “qi ye” (enterprise) became clear to me.

In Chinese, “ye” often refers to estate or achievement. The combination of “qi” and “ye” creates a vivid metaphor for the desire to gain wealth and success. An enterprise, therefore, is an organization that eagerly seeks to acquire assets and accomplish goals, much like an entrepreneur who stands on tiptoes, reaching for the stars.

While the origin of this translation remains elusive, the ingenuity behind it is undeniable. It captures the very essence of what drives individuals and organizations to pursue their dreams and aspirations. The image of someone standing on tiptoes, striving to reach new heights, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of entrepreneurship.

However, as I delved deeper into this revelation, I couldn’t help but consider an alternative interpretation. In Buddhist classics, the word “ye” takes on a completely different meaning – sin. Viewed through this lens, “qi ye” could be seen as a warning, a reminder of the thin line between the pursuit of success and the temptation to break laws and moral codes.

This duality serves as a poignant reminder for entrepreneurs, highlighting the need for caution and integrity in the relentless pursuit of fortune. The path to establishing and growing an enterprise is fraught with challenges and temptations, and it is all too easy to stray from the righteous path in the name of achieving one’s goals.

In a world where success is often measured by material wealth and status, it is crucial for entrepreneurs to remain grounded in their values and principles. The pursuit of “qi ye” should not come at the cost of one’s moral compass. It is a delicate balance, one that requires constant self-reflection and a willingness to prioritize ethics over short-term gains.

The translation of “enterprise” into “qi ye” serves as both an inspiration and a warning. It reminds us of the incredible potential that lies within each of us, the ability to stand tall and reach for the stars. At the same time, it cautions us against the pitfalls of unbridled ambition, urging us to remain vigilant and true to ourselves.

In a world that often seems consumed by greed and self-interest, it is more important than ever for entrepreneurs to lead by example. By embracing the true meaning of “qi ye,” we can inspire others to pursue their dreams with passion and purpose, while never losing sight of the values that define us as individuals and as a society.

In the end, the success of an enterprise should not be measured solely by its financial achievements, but by the positive change it brings about in the lives of its employees, customers, and communities. By embracing the dual nature of “qi ye,” we can strive to create a business landscape that is both prosperous and principled, where success is defined not just by the bottom line, but by the legacy we leave behind.