"The Rise of the Grassroots" Summary & Essentials: 22 Historical Strategies to Apply for Modern Wealth & Breakthroughs

The Rise of the Grassroots (author: Ge Xu) is an inspirational book that distills practical, battle-tested methods for achieving success and strategies for crossing social classes through the biographies of 22 historical "grassroots" heroes who rose from the very bottom. The book is divided into six major sections. Below is a point-form overview of its content:

• Core Themes:
  • Throughout history, countless examples exist of individuals from grassroots origins (the bottom layer with no background or connections) rising to the pinnacle, such as emperors Liu Bang (from a minor pavilion chief) and Zhu Yuanzhang (from a beggar); military generals Wei Qing (from a common nobody) and Di Qing (from a convicted prisoner); and civil officials Gao Shi (from a down-and-out youth) and Song Lian (from a poor scholar).
  • This book is not gentle, feel-good success literature; instead, it is a sharp, practical guide to real-world skills, pointing directly to the harsh truths of how the world operates and the realistic rules for crossing class barriers.
    
    
• Book Structure:
  • The entire book consists of six major sections, covering 22 historical figure biographies.
  • Each biography not only narrates the individual's story but also extracts 22 sets of actionable life success methods and advice.
  • These methods are drawn from historical experience and are directly applicable to contemporary needs in making a living, career advancement, and breaking out of difficult situations.
    
    
• Main Value:
  • It reveals the brutal truths of social class mobility along with actionable paths to achieve it.
  • It emphasizes practicality: every piece of advice is validated by history, focusing on hard-core skills such as courage, seizing opportunities, and resource integration.
  • Ideal for those striving in the workplace, entrepreneurs, or anyone seeking a comeback, providing survival and control-oriented thinking in times of change and uncertainty.

This is content summary from the book The Rise of the Grassroots (by Ge Xu). This book is an inspirational work that distills practical success methods and strategies for crossing social classes through biographies of 22 historical figures who rose from humble origins. The book is divided into six major sections, covering 22 historical biographies.

Each biography not only recounts the figure's story but also extracts 22 sets of actionable life success methods and advice.

These methods are derived from historical experiences and are directly applicable to contemporary needs in making a living (survival and earning money), advancement (career or social status improvement), and breaking through obstacles (escaping predicaments).

Part One: Since Heaven and Earth Give Me Nothing, I Shall Recreate the Universe

1. If You Don't Change Your Fate, Fate Might Destroy You
   • Historical Figure Biography Overview: Zhu Yuanzhang, rising from beggar and monk to founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, by joining the Red Turban Rebellion and gradually seizing power.
   • Distilled Method and Advice:: Proactively seek change and refuse to passively accept fate; start by disrupting the status quo in small ways.
   • Derived from Historical Experience: In the late Yuan Dynasty amid famine and corruption, Zhu Yuanzhang refused to starve and chose rebellion to reshape social order.
   • Applicable to Contemporary Needs: When making a living, break out of low-wage cycles; for advancement, actively learn new skills; for breaking through, abandon stable but dead-end jobs.
   • Example: A low-level worker learns programming, switches to IT development, and doubles their salary to escape poverty.
     
     
2. So-Called Order Is Merely the Script of the Powerful
   • Historical Figure Biography Overview: Liu Bang, from pavilion chief to Emperor Gaozu of Han, overthrowing the Qin Dynasty amid chaos.
   • Distilled Method and Advice: Question existing rules and rewrite the script during turmoil; observe power vacuums and intervene quickly.
   • Derived from Historical Experience: Under the Qin's harsh laws, Liu Bang focused on winning public support to overturn the "order."
   • Applicable to Contemporary Needs: When making a living, challenge industry monopolies; for advancement, start businesses amid market shifts; for breaking through, find opportunities in economic downturns.
   • Example: During the pandemic, someone shifts from dining to e-commerce, bypassing offline restrictions for sales growth.
     
     
3. To Seek Wealth and Honor, One Must Put in Deadly Effort
   • Historical Figure Biography Overview: Wei Qing, from slave to great general, achieving repeated victories against the Xiongnu.
   • Distilled Method and Advice: Exert extreme effort, treating wealth and honor as a matter of life and death; focus on core skills and endure hardship.
   • Derived from Historical Experience: During Emperor Wu of Han's border wars, Wei Qing rose through military merits from the bottom.
   • Applicable to Contemporary Needs: When making a living, work overtime to master expertise; for advancement, build networks; for breaking through, invest intensely short-term for long-term gains.
   • Example: A programmer self-studies AI, contributes to open-source projects, and lands a high-paying job at a major company.
     
     
4. To Turn Your Life Around, You Must Be a Resolute Executor
   • Historical Figure Biography Overview: Di Qing, from common soldier to famous general, tattooing his face to show loyalty and earning repeated battle merits.
   • Distilled Method and Advice:  Prioritize execution and persist to the end; create plans and ignore short-term setbacks.
   • Derived from Historical Experience: In the Song Dynasty's border unrest, Di Qing rose through practical execution in combat.
   • Applicable to Contemporary Needs: When making a living, consistently hit daily sales targets; for advancement, follow career plans; for breaking through, persist to escape debt.
   • Example: An entrepreneur executes daily market research, persisting for half a year until the product launches profitably.

Part Two: Circumstances Create Heroes, and Grassroots Create Circumstances

5. Understand the Essence of Suffering to Escape It
   • Historical Figure Biography Overview: Han Xin, from begging for food to great general, helping Liu Bang unify the realm.
   • Distilled Method and Advice: Analyze the root of suffering and find escape paths; calmly assess the environment.
   • Derived from Historical Experience: In the Chu-Han Contention, Han Xin recognized Xiang Yu's weaknesses and defected to Liu Bang.
   • Applicable to Contemporary Needs: When making a living, identify inefficient jobs; for advancement, switch industries to avoid saturation; for breaking through, analyze failures and restart.
   • Example: An unemployed person assesses skill gaps, enrolls in online courses, and pivots to a hot field.
     
     
6. Rationality and Decisiveness Are the Ruthless Cards Played by the Underdog
   • Historical Figure Biography Overview: Liu Yu, from soldier to founding emperor of the Liu Song Dynasty, conquering northern barbarians.
   • Distilled Method and Advice: Rationally analyze and act decisively; weigh pros/cons then decide quickly.
   • Derived from Historical Experience: In the Eastern Jin chaos, Liu Yu rationally timed his rebellion.
   • Applicable to Contemporary Needs: When making a living, rationally invest in stocks; for advancement, decisively change jobs; for breaking through, quickly cut losing projects.
   • Example: An investor rationally evaluates the market and decisively sells to avoid a crash.
     
     
7. If You Can't Endure Temporary Humiliation, You'll Lose for a Lifetime
   • Historical Figure Biography Overview: Shi Le, from slave to emperor of Later Zhao, enduring humiliation before rising.
   • Distilled Method and Advice: Tolerate short-term shame for long-term victory; control emotions and accumulate strength.
   • Derived from Historical Experience: In late Western Jin Hu-Han conflicts, Shi Le endured before emerging.
   • Applicable to Contemporary Needs: When making a living, tolerate low pay to gain experience; for advancement, endure harsh bosses; for breaking through, recover from failures.
   • Example: A workplace newbie endures overtime humiliation, builds skills, and later gets promoted with a raise.

Part Three: Though Humble and Lowly, Entering the Game Allows One to Contend with Heaven

8. Fear Not Lowly Origins, Fear Not Knowing the Times
   • Historical Figure Biography Overview: Zhao Kuangyin, from general to Emperor Taizu of Song, usurping via the yellow robe incident.
   • Distilled Method and Advice: Perceive the times and ride trends; read news frequently and anticipate changes. 
   • Derived from Historical Experience: In the Five Dynasties chaos, Zhao Kuangyin saw Later Zhou's weakness and seized the throne.
   • Applicable to Contemporary Needs: When making a living, follow policy dividends; for advancement, catch industry waves; for breaking through, foresee crises and switch careers.
   • Example: A businessman spots the new energy trend and invests in photovoltaics for profits.
     
     
9. Wealth Is Compensation for Cognition, Not Diligence
   • Historical Figure Biography Overview: Gao Shi, from down-and-out poet to border prefect, gaining fame through poetry.
   • Distilled Method and Advice: Elevate cognition, and wealth follows; study history and economics.
   • Derived from Historical Experience: During the Tang's An Lushan Rebellion, Gao Shi recognized border importance and was promoted.
   • Applicable to Contemporary Needs: When making a living, cognize market trends for investments; for advancement, learn management; for breaking through, shift mindset.
   • Example: An ordinary person studies financial cognition and invests in funds for wealth growth.
     
     
10. No Obsession, No Survival
    • Historical Figure Biography Overview: Yue Fei, from soldier to anti-Jin general, loyally serving with the Yue Family Army.
    • Distilled Method and Advice: Be extremely focused, almost "possessed"; immerse fully in goals.
    • Derived from Historical Experience: In Song-Jin wars, Yue Fei obsessed over military strategy to build his army.
    • Applicable to Contemporary Needs: When making a living, obsess over skill practice; for advancement, focus on projects; for breaking through, go all-in to reverse situations.
    • Example: A writer obsesses over writing and publishes a bestseller, transforming their life.

Part Four: Why Do Battlefield Survivors Often Come from Grassroots

11. Every Opportunity Might Be Your Last
    • Historical Figure Biography Overview: Xin Qiji, from Jin official to Southern Song poet and anti-Jin general.
    • Distilled Method and Advice: Seize every chance as if it's the last; evaluate then commit fully.
    • Derived from Historical Experience: In Song-Jin standoff, Xin Qiji seized his chance to return south and fight.
    • Applicable to Contemporary Needs: When making a living, seize interviews; for advancement, grab promotion windows; for breaking through, take rescue opportunities.
    • Example: A job seeker prepares intensely for their only interview and lands the offer to escape unemployment.
      
      
12. Assess the Situation, Then Achieve Success
    • Historical Figure Biography Overview: Xu Da, from farmer to Ming general, aiding Zhu Yuanzhang in unification.
    • Distilled Method and Advice: Observe before acting; watch more, rush less.
    • Derived from Historical Experience: In late Yuan rebellions, Xu Da assessed and joined Zhu's forces.
    • Applicable to Contemporary Needs: When making a living, assess markets before entering; for advancement, time salary negotiations; for breaking through, seek help after evaluation.
    • Example: An entrepreneur assesses economic conditions and delays launch to avoid risks.
      
      
13. Those Who Dare to Be First Excel
    • Historical Figure Biography Overview: Chang Yuchun, from farmer to Ming general, fearless vanguard.
    • Distilled Method and Advice: Dare to lead and seize initiative; be bold in innovation.
    • Derived from Historical Experience: In early Ming wars, Chang Yuchun charged first for victories.
    • Applicable to Contemporary Needs: When making a living, try new platforms first; for advancement, propose ideas first; for breaking through, act first.
    • Example: A blogger pioneers short videos, builds followers, and monetizes.
      
      
14. The Marginalized Person's Capital for Reversal Is This Seven-Foot Body
    • Historical Figure Biography Overview: Tang He, from farmer to Ming duke, loyally aiding Zhu Yuanzhang.
    • Distilled Method and Advice: Use physical effort to reverse fortunes; leverage stamina and perseverance.
    • Derived from Historical Experience: In late Yuan chaos, Tang He rose through martial prowess from the margins.
    • Applicable to Contemporary Needs: When making a living, start with physical labor; for advancement, maintain fitness for competitiveness; for breaking through, prove yourself through action.
    • Example: A delivery worker diligently builds clients and opens a small shop.

Part Five: Arriving Empty-Handed, Because the World's Windfalls Have No Owner

15. In Poverty, One Thinks of Change
    • Historical Figure Biography Overview: Song Lian, from poor scholar to Ming academician, authoring works.
    • Distilled Method and Advice: Poverty sparks change; find opportunities in hardship.
    • Derived from Historical Experience: In early Ming literary circles, Song Lian borrowed books to self-study despite poverty.
    • Applicable to Contemporary Needs: When making a living, learn side hustles in poverty; for advancement, change thinking; for breaking through, seek new paths.
    • Example: A poor student self-studies design and opens an online store to earn money.
      
      
16. Big Courage Leads to Broad Paths
    • Historical Figure Biography Overview: Zuo Zongtang, from staff aide to late Qing minister, reconquering Xinjiang.
    • Distilled Method and Advice: Dare greatly to expand options; take calculated risks.
    • Derived from Historical Experience: In late Qing northwest crisis, Zuo Zongtang boldly campaigned west.
    • Applicable to Contemporary Needs: When making a living, boldly start businesses; for advancement, boldly negotiate; for breaking through, boldly change.
    • Example: An employee boldly quits to start a business and opens new markets.
      
      
17. Those Who Achieve Great Things Never Complain About the Environment
    • Historical Figure Biography Overview: Li Zicheng, from postal worker to rebel king, overthrowing the Ming.
    • Distilled Method and Advice: Ignore environmental complaints and focus on action; seek internal causes.
    • Derived from Historical Experience: In late Ming famine, Li Zicheng rebelled without blaming heaven.
    • Applicable to Contemporary Needs: When making a living, don't blame bad economy; for advancement, self-improve; for breaking through, act without waiting.
    • Example: In a downturn, instead of complaining, someone starts online courses for profit.
      
      
18. Ambition Is the Merchant's Greatest Capital
    • Historical Figure Biography Overview: Hu Xueyan, from apprentice to red-top merchant, immensely wealthy.
    • Distilled Method and Advice: Cultivate ambition to drive business; set high goals.
    • Derived from Historical Experience: In late Qing chaos, Hu Xueyan's ambition led to riches through trade.
    • Applicable to Contemporary Needs: When making a living, ambitiously open shops; for advancement, expand operations; for breaking through, use ambition to reverse.
    • Example: A street vendor ambitiously builds a chain and becomes locally wealthy.

Part Six: Starting from Myself, My Clan Becomes a Noble Family

19. Fate Is Changed, Roots Are Planted
    • Historical Figure Biography Overview: Guo Wei, from soldier to Emperor Taizu of Later Zhou, changing fate by founding a dynasty.
    • Distilled Method and Advice:Actively change fate and plant foundations; plan long-term.
    • Derived from Historical Experience: In Five Dynasties chaos, Guo Wei rose through military service.
    • Applicable to Contemporary Needs: When making a living, change habits; for advancement, plant networks; for breaking through, rebuild bases.
    • Example: A migrant worker learns skills, planting career roots.
      
      
20. Dead Fish May Lack Dreams, But People Must Have Them
    • Historical Figure Biography Overview: Chen Ping, from poor commoner to Han prime minister, using wit to aid Liu Bang.
    • Distilled Method and Advice: Hold onto dreams and avoid complacency; set visions.
    • Derived from Historical Experience: In Chu-Han contention, Chen Ping's dreams led him to join Liu Bang.
    • Applicable to Contemporary Needs: When making a living, use dreams for motivation; for advancement, pursue high positions; for breaking through, draw power from ideals.
    • Example: An ordinary employee with entrepreneurial dreams persists in side hustles until success.
      
      
21. The Poor Often Overthink and Underact Due to Excessive Worries
    • Historical Figure Biography Overview: Xiao He, from county clerk to Han prime minister, providing logistics for Liu Bang.
    • Distilled Method and Advice:Reduce worries and act more; simplify thinking.
    • Derived from Historical Experience: In early Han, Xiao He thought less and acted more to achieve merits.
    • Applicable to Contemporary Needs: When making a living, invest with fewer worries; for advancement, take on more projects; for breaking through, prioritize action.
    • Example: A poor person with fewer hesitations quickly starts a Taobao store.
      
      
22. Able to Bend and Stretch, That Is a True Man
    • Historical Figure Biography Overview: Zhang Liang, from noble descendant to Han strategist, patiently aiding Liu Bang.
    • Distilled Method and Advice: Flexibly adapt—bend when needed, stretch when possible.
    • Derived from Historical Experience: In late Qin, Zhang Liang endured humiliation under a bridge before executing grand plans.
    • Applicable to Contemporary Needs: When making a living, bend in low positions; for advancement, stretch abilities; for breaking through, bend then counterattack.
    • Example: A manager endures demotion, accumulates strength, and makes a comeback.