SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • The Analects – Chapter 9.5

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    Ana

    Confucius was in danger when surrounded by people in Kuang. He said, “King Wen of Zhou is long gone – but is not the cultural tradition now embodied in me? If Heaven intended to destroy this culture, those born after him (including myself) would never have had access to it. Since Heaven has not…

  • The Analects – Chapter 9.4

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    Ana

    Confucius eliminated four faults: he did not speculate without evidence, did not insist on absolute certainty, did not cling to rigid opinions, and did not prioritize his own self.

  • The Analects – Chapter 9.3

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    Ana

    Confucius said, “Using hemp to make ceremonial caps was in accordance with ancient ritual; nowadays people use silk instead, out of frugality. In this case, I follow the majority. Bowing below the hall was in accordance with ancient ritual; now people bow from atop the hall, which shows arrogance. Even if it means going…

  • The Analects – Chapter 9.2

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    Ana

    A person from Daxiang said, “How great is Confucius! He is immensely learned, yet he has not become famous for any single skill.” When Confucius heard this, he said to his disciples, “What should I specialize in? Should I take up charioteering or archery? I’ll go with charioteering.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 9.1

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    Ana

    Confucius rarely spoke about profit. He spoke much more often about fate (the Mandate of Heaven) and humaneness (benevolence).

  • Han Fei

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    Rob

    Han Fei (c. 280–233 BCE), often revered as Han Feizi or Master Han Fei, stands as one of ancient China’s most influential philosophers and political theorists. Emerging during the tumultuous Warring States Period (475–221 BCE), he hailed from Xinzheng, the capital of the state of Han (in modern-day Henan Province). As a royal descendant…