Courage

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.12

    Zilu asked Confucius, “What kind of person can be called a ‘complete person’ (a morally and intellectually fulfilled individual)?”The Master said, “If someone possesses the wisdom of Zang Wuzhong, the lack of desire of Gongchuo, the courage of Bian Zhuangzi, and the talents of Ran Qiu – and is further refined by ritual and…

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.4

    The Master said, “A person of virtue will surely have meaningful words; but one who has words is not necessarily virtuous. A humane (benevolent) person will surely possess courage; but a courageous person is not necessarily humane.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 9.29

    Confucius said, “The wise are not perplexed; the humane are not anxious; the courageous are not afraid.”

  • A tale of lingering fear – The Peasant

    “The Peasant” is a highly allegorical story in Strange Tales from Liaozhai (Liaozhai Zhiyi). Through a tale of “long-standing enmity” spanning years between a peasant and a fox demon.

  • The Mantis that felled the Serpent

    “The Mantis Seizes the Snake” is a short fable from Strange Tales from Liaozhai, a Chinese Studio, (Liaozhai Zhiyi). Through a vivid natural phenomenon, it reveals how the weak may overcome a powerful adversary through wisdom and courage. Though brief, the story carries profound symbolism.

  • Temptation and survival in “Prince of the Sea”

    Strange Tales from Liaozhai: Prince of the Sea (Hai Gongzi) by Pu Songling narrates a tale of seduction, adventure, and survival set on the mythical Guji Island.

  • The Rat’s Vengeance

    The Loyal Mouse is a brief yet meaningful story from Strange Tales from Liaozhai, written by Pu Songling of the Qing Dynasty. This tale tells of the deep bond between two mice and the extraordinary courage and wisdom displayed by one mouse in attempting to save its companion.

  • Protected: Jia Er

    There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

  • Courage Against Superstition in “The Sorcerer’s Curse”

    Strange Tales from Liaozhai Studio: The Sorcerer’s Curse (Witchcraft) centers on the clash between good and evil. Through supernatural events, Pu Songling explores folk beliefs in sorcery while probing profound themes of courage, morality, and karmic justice.