From the treasure trove of our childhood memories emerge the enchanting stories told by grandparents, parents, or caregivers. Fairy tales, those captivating narratives, whisked us away to realms where dragons soared, ogres devoured misbehaving children, princesses discovered love in the most unexpected places, and ordinary objects concealed extraordinary secrets. But these stories offer us more ...
Life is a process of simultaneously gaining and losing. As you grow and your living conditions improve, you often don’t realize what you’re losing while acquiring new things. Some of these lost treasures, although outdated by modern standards, are invaluable to you and, once lost, can never be reclaimed. 1. The loss of tradition When ...
In the annals of Chinese history, the mention of wise and influential empresses invariably brings us to Empress Jiang, the queen who successfully guided King Xuan of Zhou, the 11th monarch of the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 B.C.). Her story is not just about advising a king; it’s a narrative of moral strength, strategic counsel, ...
In a time where strict adherence to protocol was the norm in the Qing Dynasty, Lady Yan, the mother of a conscientious local official, Yan Xishen, dared to defy convention in a moment of crisis. Her act of bold compassion not only saved thousands, but also reshaped the career and legacy of her son. Yan ...
Emperor Tang Taizong, renowned for establishing one of the most formidable empires in history, owes much of his success to his exceptional talent in identifying and utilizing gifted individuals. A prominent example of his ability to discern talent was in the rise of Ma Zhou, who evolved from a humble background to become the Prime ...
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 ...
The journey of the Kongō Gumi, a company with over a millennium of history, has been anything but smooth. In 1868, during the first year of the Meiji era, Emperor Meiji implemented the “Shinto and Buddhism Separation Order,” leading to the destruction of many Buddhist temples. This policy stripped the Four Heavenly Kings of their ...
A report published by the Tokyo Business Research Company reveals the key to longevity for Japanese enterprises: integrity and staying private. Among the many centuries-old businesses, the oldest is Kongō Gumi, a temple construction company established during the Asuka period now boasting a history of 1,440 years. Longevity secrets unveiled The Japan Imperial Database surveyed ...
This is the fascinating story of the founding of the Smithsonian Institution. In 1756, a woman of royal blood in Britain quietly gave birth to a baby boy for the Duke of Northumberland, a noble of high standing. The child, an illegitimate son named James Smithson, was gifted with remarkable talent and a quick mind. ...
In the annals of Chinese history, the legacy of integrity and righteousness has been long cherished and revered. Tales of principled officials who stood firm in the face of temptation and upheld the virtues of ethical governance have been passed down through generations, serving as moral compasses for both the rulers and the ruled. These ...