Wisdom, Featured

Integrity in Business: The Bedrock of Trust and Success

Integrity stands as one of the most cherished virtues, timeless and universal. Regardless of the era — ancient or modern — or country or domain, this trait is ever-valued. An individual can have immense talents and skills, but if their moral fiber is questionable, no reputable organization would willingly employ them. As the adage goes: ...

Max Lu

Business skyscrapers in reflection in La Defense financial district in Paris, France.

Fan Li’s Secret to Attaining Wealth in Business in Ancient China

When Goujian, the ruler of the state of Yue in ancient China, received valuable counsel from his advisor Fan Li when he found himself trapped on Mount Kuaiji by King Fuchai of Wu. Fan Li advised Goujian on how to navigate this dire situation and emphasized that in times of crisis, one must prioritize preserving ...

Tatiana Denning

A mountain in China.

Wisdom Wrapped in Humor: Inspiring Tales From Icons of History

Throughout history, humor has been an indomitable tool in the arsenal of leaders, thinkers, and innovators. It serves not just as a source of amusement, but as a bridge between contrasting ideas, a salve for wounds both personal and societal, and a testament to the enduring human spirit. The anecdotes that follow demonstrate the diverse ...

Mikel Davis

Frozen rose on clear ice.

Hard as Ice, Fluid as Water: An Allegory on the Stages of a Successful Life

A young businessman was betrayed by his partner and was left without wealth or hope. Desperate and despondent, he decided to end his life by jumping into a lake. On its banks, he encountered a wise monk deep in meditation. Overwhelmed with relief, the man eagerly approached the monk, shared his tragic tale, and sincerely ...

Mikel Davis

Ice in the form of a heart.

Transformative Thinking: 5 Inspirational Stories

There is a Chinese proverb that highlights the importance of addressing fundamental issues before anything else. It uses the metaphor of farming: If a field is unable to hold water, then no matter how good the seeds are or how hard you work, the effort will ultimately be wasted. Similarly, no matter how hard you ...

Mikel Davis

Comfortable corner of the library with books, glasses, and a bouquet of flowering willow branches.

Wisdom From Historical Figures

In various epochs of human history, we find leaders and thinkers who stand out for their wisdom, wit, and a keen understanding of human nature. From the corridors of American politics to the enlightening teachings of ancient China, the following anecdotes unveil glimpses of wisdom from some of history’s most esteemed figures, such as Abraham ...

Mikel Davis

Two turtles representing wisdom.

The Accuracy of Fortune-Telling: How Fate Can Be Altered by Good Deeds

Is fortune-telling accurate? This question has sparked different opinions for ages. Why do some fortune-tellers get their predictions right, while others miss the mark? What are the factors that determine the accuracy of fortune-telling? The following tale might just enlighten you. Xue Er’s fortune During the Qing Dynasty, there was a famous face reader in ...

Mikel Davis

A tree covered with spring blossoms next to West Lake in Hangzhou, China.

Recognizing Your Wealth in Life

A classic proverb goes: “You do not know how to count your blessings when you’re in the middle of a blessed life.” This saying reminds people that they should be thankful for everything they own now. No matter how hard a person’s life may be, others in the world are living harder and more complex ...

Emma Lu

Life is just a gift.