Throughout history, having virtue has shown that it can help people overcome challenges and succeed. Three notable figures from Chinese history exemplify how moral integrity, honesty, and generosity can profoundly impact society and personal prosperity. Here are their stories.
The righteousness of Xun Jubo
During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Xun Jubo visited a sick friend in a distant city. Unbeknownst to him, the city was under attack by Hu troops. When his friend urged him to flee for safety, Xun refused, stating: “I came from afar to visit you, and now you ask me to leave? It goes against my principles to abandon someone in need to save my own life.”
As the Hu military entered the city, they questioned Xun about his audacity to remain. He responded firmly: “My friend is sick, and I cannot bear to leave him. I am willing to sacrifice my own life for his.”
Deeply moved by his commitment to righteousness, the Hu troops declared: “We, who have disregarded righteousness, have offended a place that upholds righteousness.” They promptly withdrew, saving the city from destruction.
Xun’s tale illustrates that courage and moral integrity can inspire even those who seem impossible. His self-sacrifice for a friend exemplified personal virtue and revealed the power of ethical principles to sway others in times of crisis.
The honesty of Lu Zongdao
During the Northern Song Dynasty, Lu Zongdao, a respected statesman known for his integrity, encountered a challenging situation after dining with an old friend at a local hotel. When the emperor urgently summoned him, Lu had to explain why he was late. The messenger, worried about how the emperor would react, asked Lu how he should respond if he questioned him about his delay.
Lu replied confidently: “Just tell the truth.” He recognized that while drinking and dining are everyday human activities, lying to the emperor would be a grave offense. When he later entered the court and was questioned, Lu explained: “I have an old friend from the countryside who is too poor to afford dishes and utensils, so we went to a hotel for dinner.”
The emperor, impressed by Lu’s honesty and loyalty, recommended him for further promotion. This incident underscores the significance of integrity in leadership. By prioritizing honesty, Lu upheld his values and earned respect and recognition, demonstrating that truthfulness can pave the way for advancement.
Prosperity through virtue: Wu Bingjian
During the Qing Dynasty, businessman Wu Bingjian built an excellent reputation for his ethical approach to commerce. On one occasion, one of his partners, a merchant from Boston, faced financial ruin due to owing Wu over $70,000. Rather than exploiting the situation, Wu chose a different path. He invited his partner to bring the debt documents and, in a generous gesture, tore them to pieces, declaring the debt forgiven.
“You are my best business partner; it was just bad luck,” he reassured the merchant. This act of generosity quickly gained Wu acclaim in the United States, where he was praised for his integrity for decades. Moreover, Wu’s ethical conduct led to unexpected business success, earning him recognition as one of the wealthiest individuals in the eyes of foreigners.
This story exemplifies how virtuous actions can lead to prosperity, reinforcing that ethical behavior is not just a moral choice but can also result in unexpected rewards.
Conclusion
These men’s narratives emphasize the timeless truth that virtue can triumph over adversity and foster success. Their experiences illustrate that moral integrity, honesty, and generosity are commendable traits essential for creating a harmonious society.
As the ancients wisely noted: “Small victories rely on skills, medium victories rely on intelligence, and great victories rely on virtue.” In a world that often prioritizes self-interest, these stories are powerful reminders that cultivating virtue remains a path to personal fulfillment and societal well-being.
Translated by Joseph Wu and edited by Tatiana Denning
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