守本與逐流：匠人的生存之道

郭德綱那嘴，向來是妙語連珠，一開口便似那爆竹炸響，噼裏啪啦直戳人心窩子。他曾講：“我不反對徒弟直播，但不建議他們天天帶貨耽誤說相聲，畢竟咱喫飯的本事是嘴皮子上的功夫，不是貨架上的東西。”這話一出來，就像在平靜的湖面投下了一顆石子，泛起層層漣漪，也讓我這心裏頭，忍不住琢磨起各行各業裏那“本”與“流”的事兒來。

咱先說說這相聲行當。相聲，那可是老祖宗傳下來的寶貝，講究的是說學逗唱，靠的是演員那張嘴，能把死的說成活的，把苦的說成甜的。郭德綱和他的德雲社，那在相聲界可是響噹噹的招牌。他們能在如今這個娛樂方式五花八門的時代站穩腳跟，靠的就是那過硬的基本功和獨特的表演風格。就好比那孫悟空，七十二變耍得再溜，那金箍棒也始終是他的看家本領。要是徒弟們天天忙着在直播間裏吆喝着賣貨，把那說相聲的功夫都擱下了，時間一長，嘴皮子不利索了，包袱抖不響了，觀衆還能買賬嗎？據相關統計，德雲社那些經常登臺表演的演員，其粉絲忠誠度和演出上座率明顯高於那些頻繁參與商業帶貨活動的演員。這就說明，守住了說相聲這個“本”，才能在相聲的舞臺上長盛不衰。

再把目光轉到醫生這個行當。醫生，那可是救死扶傷的白衣天使，他們的本事都在肚子裏頭裝着呢。這肚子裏裝的，是多年的醫學知識積累，是無數次臨牀實踐的經驗，是對各種病症的精準判斷和有效治療。就像那華佗，醫術高明，能開顱治病，能刮骨療毒，靠的就是那一身真本事。可如今呢，有些醫生卻偏離了正道，老想着靠賣成品藥或者保健品來賺錢。這就好比一個武林高手，放着獨門絕技不用，卻去賣那些所謂的“神兵利器”，這不是捨本逐末嗎？

我聽說有這麼一位醫生，原本在當地小有名氣，醫術也算精湛。可後來，他迷上了推銷保健品，整天在診室裏跟患者誇誇其談，說某種保健品能包治百病。一開始，還真有些患者被他說動了，買了不少保健品回去。可時間一長，問題就來了。有些患者喫了保健品後，病情不但沒有好轉，反而加重了。這下可好，患者的信任沒了，口碑也臭了，原本紅紅火火的診所，也變得門可羅雀。據一項調查顯示，那些過度依賴推銷藥品和保健品的醫療機構，其患者滿意度和複診率明顯低於專注於醫療技術提升的機構。這就充分說明，醫生要是老靠賣成品或者保健品爲生，那無疑是自毀前程。

醫生靠技術喫飯，這是天經地義的事兒。技術，就是醫生的“金飯碗”。一個醫術高明的醫生，就像一顆璀璨的明星，無論走到哪裏，都會受到患者的尊敬和愛戴。就像鍾南山院士，在抗擊非典和新冠疫情的戰鬥中，他憑藉着精湛的醫術和豐富的經驗，爲無數患者帶來了生的希望。他沒有把精力放在推銷藥品上，而是專注於醫學研究和臨牀治療，用自己的技術拯救了無數生命，也贏得了全國人民的敬仰和讚譽。

當然，我並不是說醫生就不能涉足商業領域。在當今這個社會，合理合法地增加一些收入，改善一下生活條件，這也是人之常情。但前提是，不能丟了自己的“本”。醫生可以利用自己的專業知識，爲一些正規的藥品或醫療器械做科普宣傳，但絕不能爲了賺錢而誇大其詞，誤導患者。這就好比一個廚師，可以在業餘時間教別人做菜，但不能爲了賣調料而故意把菜做得難喫，讓顧客去買他的調料。

無論是相聲演員還是醫生，亦或是其他各行各業的專業技術人員，都要清楚自己的“本”在哪裏。這個“本”，就是我們的立身之本，是我們的核心競爭力。只有守住了這個“本”，我們才能在這個紛繁複雜的世界裏站穩腳跟，才能實現自己的人生價值。就像那大樹，只有把根深深地紮在泥土裏，才能枝繁葉茂，經得起風雨的洗禮。

在這個充滿誘惑的時代，我們很容易被各種利益所迷惑，從而迷失了自己的方向。但我們要時刻牢記，我們的本事不是那些外在的東西，而是我們內心深處的知識和技能。只有堅守住自己的“本”，我們才能在人生的道路上走得更加穩健，更加長遠。讓我們都做一個守本逐流的人，用我們的技術和智慧，爲社會創造更多的價值，爲自己贏得更多的尊重！

作者簡介：梁世傑 原首都醫科大學中醫門診部中醫主治醫師，京畿瘤科創始人，本科學歷，從事中醫臨牀工作25年，積累了較豐富的臨牀經驗。師從首都醫科大學附屬北京中醫院肝病科主任醫師、著名老中醫陳勇，侍診多載，深得器重，盡得真傳！擅用“商湯經方分類療法”、專病專方結合“焦樹德學術思想”“關幼波十綱辨證”學術思想治療疑難雜症爲特色。現任北京樹德堂中醫研究院研究員，北京中醫藥薪火傳承新3+3工程—焦樹德門人（陳勇）傳承工作站研究員，國際易聯易學與養生專委會常務理事，中國中醫藥研究促進會焦樹德學術傳承專業委員會委員，中國藥文化研究會中醫藥慢病防治分會首批癌症領域入庫專家。榮獲2020年中國中醫藥研究促進會仲景醫學分會舉辦的第八屆醫聖仲景南陽論壇“經方名醫”榮譽稱號。2023年首屆京津冀“扁鵲杯”燕趙醫學研究主題徵文優秀獎獲得者。事蹟入選《當代科學家》雜誌、《中華英才》雜誌。

Sticking to Tradition vs. Embracing Change: The Path to Survival for Craftsmen

Guo Degang’s mouth has always been filled with witty remarks. As soon as he opens his mouth, it’s like fireworks exploding, crackling and stinging right to the heart. He once said, “I have no objection to my disciples broadcasting live, but I do not recommend that they spend all their time promoting products and neglecting their duties of performing comedy routines. After all, our ability to earn a living lies in our skills with words, not in the items on the shelves.” When these words were uttered, it was like dropping a stone into a tranquil lake, causing ripples to spread out. This also made me ponder about the concepts of “root” and “flow” in various industries.

Let’s start by discussing the world of Chinese comedy, or “xiangsheng.” This art form is a treasured legacy passed down by our ancestors. It involves speaking, acting, joking, and singing, relying heavily on the performer’s ability to turn the mundane into the extraordinary and the bitter into the sweet. Guo Degang and his De Yun Society are renowned figures in the world of xiangsheng. They have managed to maintain their standing in an era where various forms of entertainment abound. This is achieved through their exceptional foundational skills and distinctive performance styles. Just like Sun Wukong, who could perform any of his seventy-two transformations flawlessly, but his golden staff remained his most reliable weapon. If the performers of De Yun Society were constantly busy promoting products in live broadcasts, neglecting their craft of xiangsheng, over time, their verbal dexterity and comedic timing would deteriorate. Would the audience still find value in their performances? According to relevant statistics, the fans of the actors who frequently perform on stage with De Yun Society are more loyal and attend their shows more frequently than those of actors who are heavily involved in commercial product endorsements. This indicates that by preserving the essence of xiangsheng, one can maintain a lasting presence on the stage of this art form.

Now let’s shift our focus to the profession of doctors. Doctors are the white-robed angels who save lives and heal the wounded. Their expertise resides within them. This expertise encompasses years of accumulated medical knowledge, extensive clinical experience, and precise diagnosis and effective treatment of various ailments. Just like Hua Tuo, a highly skilled physician who could perform brain surgery and scrape bone to cure diseases, their true prowess is what enabled them to achieve such feats. However, some doctors today have strayed from the right path, constantly seeking ways to make money by selling ready-made medications or health supplements. This is akin to a martial arts master who chooses to sell so-called “sword-like weapons” instead of utilizing their own unique skills. Isn’t this akin to neglecting one’s core abilities for superficial gains?

I heard about a doctor who was initially somewhat well-known in his local area and was considered skilled in his craft. However, he became obsessed with promoting health supplements and spent all his time in the clinic boasting about how certain supplements could cure any ailment. At first, some patients were indeed swayed by his claims and purchased numerous supplements. But as time went on, problems arose. Some patients found that after taking the supplements, their conditions not only did not improve but actually worsened. This led to a loss of patient trust and a tarnished reputation for the clinic, which had previously been thriving. According to a survey, medical institutions that rely excessively on selling pharmaceuticals and health supplements tend to have significantly lower patient satisfaction rates and lower rates of repeat visits compared to those that focus on advancing medical technology. This clearly demonstrates that a doctor who relies primarily on selling finished products or supplements is essentially destroying their own career prospects.

Doctors rely on their skills for a living, which is a natural and justifiable thing. Skills are the “golden bowl” of doctors. A highly skilled physician is like a brilliant star, revered and loved by patients wherever they go. Just like Academician Zhong Nanshan, who, in the fight against SARS and COVID-19, relied on his exceptional medical skills and extensive experience to bring hope of survival to countless patients. He did not focus on promoting pharmaceuticals but rather devoted himself to medical research and clinical treatment. Through his skills, he saved countless lives and earned the respect and admiration of the entire nation.

Of course, I’m not saying that doctors shouldn’t engage in commercial activities. In today’s society, it’s perfectly reasonable and legitimate to earn some extra income and improve one’s living conditions. But the key is not to lose one’s “core”. Doctors can use their professional knowledge to science popularize certain legitimate pharmaceutical or medical devices, but they must never exaggerate or mislead patients for the sake of making money. It’s like a chef who can teach others to cook in their free time, but who cannot deliberately make the dishes unappetizing in order to sell their seasonings.

Whether it be a comedian, a doctor, or any other professional in various fields, one must be clear about their “roots.” This “root” is the foundation upon which we stand, our core competency. Only by safeguarding this “root” can we establish ourselves firmly in this complex and diverse world and realize our personal values. Just like the tree, it is only by deeply embedding its roots in the soil that it can flourish with abundant branches and leaves, enduring the trials of wind and rain.

In this era of constant temptation, it is easy for us to be misled by various forms of gain and thus lose sight of our own direction. However, we must always keep in mind that our true worth lies not in external possessions, but in the knowledge and skills that reside deep within us. By steadfastly adhering to our core principles, we can move forward more confidently and sustainably on the path of life. Let us all strive to be individuals who uphold their integrity and use our skills and wisdom to create greater value for society and earn greater respect for ourselves!

Author profile: Liang Shi-jie was a chief physician of traditional Chinese medicine at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Outpatient Clinic of Capital Medical University. He was the founder of Jingyi Tumor Clinic. He holds a bachelor’s degree and has been engaged in clinical work in traditional Chinese medicine for 25 years, accumulating extensive clinical experience. He studied under Chen Yong, a renowned senior traditional Chinese medicine practitioner at the Hepatology Department of Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University. Over the years, he gained great respect and acquired genuine expertise. He specializes in using the “Shang Tang Classic Classification Therapy” and combining specific treatments for specific diseases with the “Jiao Shu-de Academic Thought” and the “Guan You-bo Ten-Principle Diagnosis” approach to treat complex medical conditions. He is currently a researcher at the Beijing Shu-de-Tang Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Institute and a researcher at the Beijing New 3+3 Project for the Inheritance of Traditional Chinese Medicine – Jiao Shu-de’s Disciples (Chen Yong) Heritage Workstation. He is a Standing director of the International Yi-lian Yi-xue and Health Preservation Committee and a member of the Committee for the Inheritance of Jiao Shu-de’s Academic Thought of the China Research Promotion Association for Traditional Chinese Medicine. He is also a member of the inaugural Cancer Expert Pool of the China Cultural Research Association for Traditional Chinese Medicine’s Prevention of Chronic Diseases. He was awarded the title of “Expert in Classic Prescriptions” at the Eighth Nanyang Forum of the Zhang Zhongjing Medical Division of the China Research Promotion Association in 2020. In 2023, he won the Excellence Award in the First Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei “Bian Que Cup” Yan-Zhao Medical Research Theme Essay Competition. His achievements have been featured in the magazines “Contemporary Scientists” and “China’s Elite”.