aspirations

  • Seven-Character Octave – Arriving in Shaoshan [Mao’s Poems]

    –Mao Zedong, June 1959 Faint dreams of old days curse time’s swift flowing tide,My homeland’s scenes recall thirty-two years’ pride.Red flags unfurl; serf’s halberds rise far and wide,Black hands hold high tyrant’s whips, cruel and applied.

  • The Analects – Chapter 11.26

    Zilu, Zeng Xi (named Dian), Ran You, and Gongxi Hua were sitting with Confucius. The Master said, “I am a few years older than you – don’t let that hold you back. You often say, ‘No one understands me!’ If someone did understand and employ you, what would you do?”

  • Immortality and Journey to the West

    In many cultures, immortality is regarded as a noble ideal. Ancient Chinese myths, legends, and texts are rich with stories and figures pursuing eternal life.