Lee Shau-kee, founder of Henderson Land Group and a legendary figure in Hong Kong's real estate industry, passed away at the age of 97. Lee Shau-kee was recognized not only for his immense business success but also for his insightful life philosophies that have guided countless individuals.
Top 10 life lessons from Lee Shau-kee
1. Do not marry too early if your finances are unstable.
Lee believed that marrying too early could lead to financial burdens. He advised young people to ensure financial stability before starting a family, pointing out that raising children and providing for their education requires significant resources.
2. Men should fear choosing the wrong career; women should fear marrying the wrong man.
Lee emphasized that selecting the wrong career could be a lifelong setback. He encouraged people to choose industries with strong prospects, such as the financial sector, which has created numerous fortunes in recent years.
3. Wealth comes from making money work for you.
Lee advocated that working solely for wages makes wealth accumulation difficult. He encouraged saving the first pot of gold and using it to generate more wealth, explaining, "One investment doubles, two quadruples, and so on. With creativity and intelligence, success becomes easier."
4. No pain, no gain.
Lee frequently quoted the proverb, "Only through the most taxing hardships can one become superior."
5. The six-word principle: Stop, Stabilize, Quiet, Calm, Reflect, Achieve.
Lee introduced his six-word philosophy for life and business: "Stop, stabilize, quiet, calm, reflect, and achieve." He explained, "When you know where to stop, you have stability. When you have stability, you can be tranquil. When you are tranquil, you can be at ease. When you are at ease, you can deliberate. When you can deliberate you can attain your aims."
6. Success in earning money is incomplete without success in spending it.
Lee taught young people that making money is one thing, but spending it wisely is equally important. He believed that hoarding wealth is wasteful and stressed the importance of giving back through charity, emphasizing that philanthropy should involve not just money but also effort and strategic planning.
7. Business must be people-oriented.
Lee maintained that businesses should prioritize people, aiming for a win-win situation by serving society while generating profits. For example, during the 1998 Asian financial crisis, the Hong Kong and China Gas Company pledged "no price hikes, no layoffs, and no pay cuts," showing a commitment to supporting the community.
8. Do not let a single property limit your dreams.
Lee encouraged young people to think beyond property ownership, focusing instead on financial strategies to build wealth. He stated, "Wealth and homeownership are not directly related. Don't let a property restrict your dreams."
9. I am not a stock god, just a stock trader.
During the 2008 financial crisis, despite being nicknamed the "Asian Stock God," Lee faced losses. He humbly remarked, "This is like throwing a squash at a dog, and it's gone. I am not a stock god, just a stock trader—at most, a counterfeit one. The real stock god is Warren Buffett."
10. The art of charity: leverage small efforts for big impact.
Lee believed in achieving maximum societal benefit through charity, emphasizing the use of leverage to amplify results. He advocated for projects where $1 spent could yield $10 in value, benefiting as many people as possible through strategic philanthropy.
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Founder of Henderson Land Group Lee Shau-kee passes away at 97
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