Recently, the Zhejiang Provincial High Court upheld an original verdict and rejected the appeal of Yang Taoming, "a master of success." This self-proclaimed "Asia's No. 1 Potential Motivation Master," originally from Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, was sentenced to life imprisonment for defrauding 380 million yuan, a decision that has sparked widespread public discourse. A "success guru" with just a high school diploma managed to convince countless people to drain their savings, max out their credit cards, and take out loans—all with a few "inspiring" words, some carefully staged scenes, and testimonials from purportedly "successful students." On the surface, this appears to be a ridiculous "success studies" farce; however, at its core, it reflects the deep-seated anxieties of the modern generation.
The Guru's Trick: Playing on Anxiety and Desire
Yang Taoming's success can be attributed to his keen understanding of two of the most vulnerable human traits: anxiety and desire. In today's intensely competitive, anxiety-filled world, people are desperate for breakthroughs and transformative experiences. The emergence of a "success guru" is akin to a beacon in the fog for many. Yang crafted an "authoritative persona," claiming the ability to impart his "energy." He adeptly fostered a sense of group fervor, making individuals feel left behind if they did not subscribe to his teachings. By fabricating false success stories, he insinuated that success was just around the corner. This creates a closed belief system, convincing people that if they stop paying for or upgrading their courses, they will miss out on a life-changing opportunity.
This scenario exemplifies a classic pattern of fraudulent psychology, wherein individuals are deceived into believing they are not being scammed, but rather investing in their personal development.
People often think those who are being scammed are greedy, but it is usually more about a desperate need for change. Yang Taoming's scam capitalizes on humanity's deep desire for meaning, value, and dignity. He just repackages the quest for self-improvement as a quick path to success.
When "Self-salvation" Replaces "Divine Salvation"
From a Christian standpoint, the prevalence of such scams is indicative of a widespread spiritual void in modern society. People have stopped putting their faith in God and started relying solely on themselves. The philosophy of success studies suggests, "If you believe in yourself enough, work hard, and use the right methods, you can control your destiny." But the gospel reminds us, "Apart from me, you can do nothing." (John 15:5)
Success studies place humanity at the center of the universe, turning "I" into a god. In contrast, the Christian faith centers on God, requiring us to humbly accept that we do not have ultimate control over our lives. This fundamental difference in worldview leads to divergent outcomes. Success gurus, who deify themselves, will eventually be consumed by their own pride. Only those who place God at the center of their lives can attain true freedom.
Yang once claimed he was "enlightened by a master" and had "cosmic energy" to share. Isn't this just a modern twist on ancient idolatry? People elevate themselves to god-like status, thinking they have spiritual power, only to be consumed by their own illusions. The Bible has long warned of this outcome: "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18)
Taking a closer look at those misled students, one will find that some are pursuing breakthroughs following career setbacks, others are seeking to alter their destinies due to family issues, and some simply yearn for recognition amidst loneliness. They thought "success" would give them validation—making their parents proud, earning the respect of colleagues, and evoking envy among friends. However, beneath the surface, their true pursuit is not wealth itself, but acceptance, respect, and recognition.
The stage crafted by the "guru" offers them an illusion: a sense of being understood, a belief in their potential, and reassurance that they are not failures. The collective enthusiasm can feel like a rebirth and empowerment, yet it is not redemption, merely a form of mental anesthesia.
Those who have experienced the grace of God understand that true identity is found only in Christ. The Bible teaches, "We love because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19) A person's value is not rooted in achievements but finds meaning through God's love. Those deceived were, in fact, seeking love, and the "gurus" fed them lies to satisfy that longing. In the end, these individuals failed to find love, lost their money, and had their faith shattered.
The Trap of Utilitarianism
The emergence of "success gurus" mirrors society's collective obsession with utilitarian success. Today, nearly all societal measures of life are based on the same criteria: houses, cars, income, and status. This represents a modern form of idolatry, where the idol is no longer a golden calf but the image of success. However, the Bible cautions, "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" (Matthew 16:26). Success achieved at the expense of spiritual well-being is not a blessing, but a curse.
For Christians, true success is about finding our identity in Christ and pursuing life's meaning and value through that identity. In the Bible, those considered "successful" are often not the wealthiest, but those who faithfully adhere to righteousness. Joseph, for instance, was described as "prosperous" even while in prison, as his success was attributed to the Lord's presence with him. Genuine success is about building inner character and maintaining faith, hope, and love amidst life's challenges. The Apostle Paul, who expressed joy through his letters from prison, disregarded worldly achievements. He regarded everything else as insignificant compared to his faith, having "fought the good fight" for eternity. Therefore, Christians must remain vigilant, ensuring that worldly success does not overshadow spiritual maturity. The church and its believers should be rooted in love. We need to support those who have been misled. Instead of mocking them, we should recognize the deep longing in their hearts—they are souls in search of light amidst darkness—and illuminate their path with truth and compassion.
(Originally published by the Gospel Times, the article has been edited under permission, and the author is a preacher at a church in Anhui.)
- Edited by Karen Luo and translated by Joyce Leung
