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-by Zhou Dunyi (Song Dynasty) Among the flowers of land and water, many are lovely. During the Jin Dynasty, Tao Yuanming alone loved the chrysanthemum. Since the Tang Dynasty, people have greatly favored the peony.
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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.”
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Confucius said:“The gentleman practices the Mean (zhong yong); the petty person opposes the Mean.The gentleman’s practice of the Mean means always maintains moderate –acting with appropriateness according to circumstances.The petty person’s so-called ‘Mean’ is merely recklessness and fearlessness –having no moral restraint or reverence.”
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As one of the “Four Books” of Confucianism, The Doctrine of the Mean (Zhongyong) stands as a profound guide to living in harmony with oneself, others, and the natural order. Attributed to Zisi, the grandson of Confucius, this text was originally a chapter in the Book of Rites before being elevated to a standalone…
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The Book of Odes (Book of Poetry) says:“Look at the bend of the Qi River – lush green bamboo grows thick and fair.There is a refined gentleman,like bone being cut and filed, like jade being carved and polished.Solemn and resolute, illustrious and majestic!Such a refined gentleman – truly unforgettable!”
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What is meant by “making one’s intentions sincere” is not deceiving oneself. It is like hating a foul odor or loving a beautiful color – this is what is called self-satisfaction (or inner authenticity). Therefore, the gentleman must be especially vigilant when alone.