Mikel Davis

Guiding Integrity: The Upright and Honest Advisors of Ancient China

In ancient China’s history, wisdom and integrity were paramount virtues. Rulers often sought counsel when faced with perplexing matters, including unsettling dreams and omens. Those endowed with good character, like Yan Zi and Gongsun Sheng, diligently fulfilled their duties, prioritizing their responsibilities over personal gain or safety. Yan Zi’s wise counsel and integrity Duke Jing ...

Mikel Davis

Illustration of a man dressed in the robes of an ancient Chinese official.

The Diplomatic Masterstroke of Emperor Taizu of Song

In 964, Emperor Taizu of Song quelled the Southern Tang and was poised to continue his conquest by taking the kingdom of Wuyue. Unexpectedly, King Qian Chu of Wuyue personally visited him, presenting a map of his territory as a token of submission. A warm reception Emperor Taizu was delighted by Qian Chu’s visit, inviting ...

Mikel Davis

Chinese painting of Emperor Taizu of Song.

The Foundations of Happiness in Danish Egalitarian Society

The idyllic notion of a stateless utopia where the old have care, the young have growth, and the able-bodied are employed, manifests itself not in a fabled land, but in the snowy reaches of Denmark, known globally for its high levels of happiness. In Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city, flower stands operate without a vendor in ...

Mikel Davis

Map of Europe with the Danish flag stuck in the country of Denmark.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Sleep

There’s a saying: “Medicine nourishes less than food, and food nourishes less than sleep.” Indeed, it can be considered the premier form of rejuvenation. As the proverb goes: “A good night’s sleep revitalizes you, while a restless night drains your energy.” Hence, the quality of sleep is closely tied to our overall health. The risks ...

Mikel Davis

Bedroom with nightstands and lamps beside the bed.

Energize Your Routine: One-Minute Exercises for Everyday Vitality

Everyone aspires to be healthy, but often, the vitality of youth masks the importance of exercises and health maintenance, leading you to neglect your well-being. It’s not until later in life that you realize the significance of good health. In today’s tech-driven society, both the young and old are frequently engaged with electronic devices, with ...

Mikel Davis

A woman stretching her arms in a chair.

Zhuge Liang’s Strategy: Winning Wars and Hearts with Trustworthiness

In traditional Chinese philosophy, the character for “trustworthiness” (信) is composed of the characters for “person” (人) and “speech” (言). This emphasizes that trustworthiness is a combination of one’s actions and words. It serves as the bedrock of personal integrity and the cornerstone upon which societies and nations are built. Lacking this quality, neither an ...

Mikel Davis

Illustration of Chinese statesman, strategist, and engineer Zhuge Liang who lived during the Eastern Han Dynasty.

Lin Yutang: Enlightenment and Return of Faith and Tradition (Part 2)

Chinese literature, already captivating in its own right, takes on a new dimension when interpreted by Lin Yutang. His magnum opus, the novel Beijing Memories, narrates an authentic Chinese story in impeccable English. Notably, his English biographies on Empress Wu Zetian and Su Dongpo are equally celebrated. His books My Country and My People and ...

Mikel Davis

Statue of Lin Yutang outdoors in Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province, China.

Lin Yutang: Enlightenment and Return of Faith and Tradition (Part 1)

In the late 19th century, in the town of Banzi in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province, there was a notable figure named Lin Zhicheng. A priest by vocation, Lin was often seen ascending to the top of the church. There, he would raise the cross a little higher using steel bars imported from the U.S. Or, at ...

Mikel Davis

Black and white photo of Lin Yutang.

The Health Benefits of Black Fungus: Nature’s Aspirin

With the serious environmental pollution in modern society, detoxification has become a hot topic in health care. Notably, black fungus (also known as wood ear or cloud ear fungus) stands out for its remarkable health benefits. Renowned as the “aspirin of the food world,” it boasts a variety of advantages, including beautifying the skin, detoxifying ...

Mikel Davis

Black fungus salad with soy sauce and horseradish.

The Legend of Qin Liangyu: China’s Female General (Part 2)

In the 48th year of Emperor Wanli’s reign during the Ming Dynasty, Qin Liangyu‘s White Pole Army engaged in several fierce battles with the Later Jin troops, significantly weakening their morale. Around this time, the emperor passed away, and Guang Zong ascended the throne. However, he ruled for just a month before dying, followed by ...

Mikel Davis

Female Chinese soldier on horseback.