ancient china, chinese history, leadership, military strategy, personal integrity, shu han, three kingdoms, trustworthiness, virtue, wei state, zhuge liang
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 ...
In the profound teachings of the “I Ching,” balance in life is emphasized as essential. It suggests that when we assume roles or positions beyond our capabilities, be it in terms of virtue, wisdom, or strength, success becomes an elusive goal. This notion of imbalance serves as a timeless reminder of three of life’s greatest ...
Throughout history, tales have been told to illuminate the deeper truths of our existence, to guide us when we feel lost, and to remind us of the power that lies within. Such is the ancient parable of Defu, whose name symbolizes fortune, but whose life was marked by anything but. Through an unexpected encounter with ...
The ancient Chinese were not only intelligent but deeply wise. Their wisdom was reflected in their long-term vision, an indifference to immediate gain, and an understanding of the natural order of things. They believed in acting virtuously, with the conviction that even if they faced suffering in their lifetime, good fortune would eventually be bestowed ...
In the world today, there are still many, many good-natured and righteous people. Quietly doing good and charitable deeds without publicizing them shows strong character and inner security. Some individuals do noble deeds for the greater good, yet silently endure the stigma of being falsely accused, misunderstood, and maligned, such as Chinese Doctor Wei Weng. ...
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 ...
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 ...
Virtue, described as moral excellence and honorable conduct, is a concept that goes deeper than a simple definition. More than just a word, it aligns with principles such as morality, integrity, and ethical strength. It can be interpreted in multiple ways, but how is it relevant to dating? 7 ways to incorporate virtue into dating ...
During the Qing Dynasty in Chiayi Prefecture, Taiwan, there lived a man named Lin Dengzhang. Esteemed for his honesty and integrity, Lin found himself unfortunately embroiled in a false accusation that landed him in prison. His wife, in a desperate bid to free him, sold all their possessions, yet the funds raised were insufficient. In ...
During the Spring and Autumn Periods, there lived a talented prime minister of the State of Qi named Yan Ying. His wisdom and strategic acumen earned him a lasting legacy as a key advisor and diplomat in the realm of politics. However, as news of his exceptional skills and influence spread, the King of Chu ...