For thousands of years, the ancient art form of feng shui has played a major role in Chinese life. Feng shui means "wind and water," and it is based on an appreciation of the relationship between people and the environment. It involves changing the design of your living or working space to improve your fortune. Soon after a Hong Kong millionaire moved his company to a new skyscraper, his business began to do badly. He called in feng shui experts, who told him that because his new building was round, it was like a cigarette - all the energy was burning off through the roof. They said that the only thing he could do to prevent this was to build a swimming pool on the roof. He followed their advice, and his business started to do well again. In recent years, feng shui has become popular in many western countries where companies such as Nike, Citibank, and Hyatt Hotels have started to seek advice from experts. The real estate entrepreneur Donald Trump brought in a feng shui expert when he was building his famous Trump International Hotel & Tower in New York. Does Trump believe in feng shui? He says, "It's important to adhere to the principles of a large group of people that truly believe these principles, and if they believe in them, then that's good enough for me." He admitted, "It's just another element in which you have the advantage over your competitors." Many people strongly believe in feng shui, but there are others who feel like Trump, who said, "I don't have to believe in feng shui; I do it because it makes me money."
B Read the magazine article about feng shui. Check (✓) the true statements.
For statements that are false, write the true information.
1. What do you think of feng shui? Is it common sense or nonsense?
2. In what circumstances would you consult a feng shui expert?