SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Courage

  • The Analects – Chapter 17.23

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    Ana

    Confucius tells Zilu righteousness outweighs courage. Without moral guidance, a bold gentleman stirs unrest, while a fearless petty man turns to theft. True bravery must be governed by righteousness to avoid harming society.

  • Art of War – Chapter 1.2

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    Juan

    Sun Tzu puts forward five key elements to assess warfare: morality, heaven, earth, commandership and discipline. Leaders should compare both sides’ strengths based on these factors to fully analyze the real situation before battles.

  • Art of War – Chapter 1.3

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    Juan

    Sun Tzu elaborates on the five core war factors: unity of will, weather, terrain, generals’ five virtues and military rules. He stresses that commanders who fully grasp these principles will gain victory in battles.

  • Yī Gǔ Zuò Qì (一鼓作气)

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    Ana

    Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 一鼓作气 Pinyin: yī gǔ zuò qì Literal Meaning: Rally courage at the first beat of the war drum; Using the first drumroll to raise morale and launch an attack Figurative Meaning: Press ahead and finish a task in one go while enthusiasm and energy are at their peak. Cultural Background…

  • Seven-Syllable Poem – Mourning Comrade Luo Ronghuan [Mao’s Poems]

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    Ana

    –Mao Zedong – December 1963 I still recall those years, swift as wind o’er grass we flew,In Red Army ranks, though often parted, our bond grew.The Long March was not the hardest trial we knew;The fight for Jinzhou proved the greater test to subdue.

  • Seven-Character Octave – Winter Clouds [Mao’s Poems]

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    Ana

    –Mao Zedong, December 26, 1962 Snow weighs on winter clouds; white downflakes fly,Myriad blooms fade fast, now rare and shy.High heaven’s icy currents roll and roar,Yet earth breathes soft warm winds, hope’s gentle core.

  • Memories of Qin E – Loushan Pass [Mao’s Poems]

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    Ana

    –Mao Zedong, 1935 The west wind rages high;Wild geese cry ‘neath frosty dawn and sky.Frosty dawn and sky –Hoof beats scatter low;Bugles moan and die.

  • Three Short Lyrics to the Tune of Sixteen Characters [Mao’s Poems]

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    Ana

    –Mao Zedong, 1934–1935 (On the Long March) I Peaks!On galloping steeds we ride, never weak.Look back – we standThree feet from Heaven’s hand.

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.28

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    Ana

    The Master said, “There are three qualities of the noble person’s Way, none of which I have been able to attain: the benevolent are free from anxiety, the wise are free from perplexity, and the courageous are free from fear.”Zigong replied, “This is precisely a description of yourself, Master!”