SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

physical labor

  • Harvesting Dryland Rice in the Western Fields in Mid-September of the Gengxu Year

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    Human life must follow a certain path;Clothing and food are undeniably its foundation.Who can neglect these basic needs,And yet hope to find peace of mind?When spring arrives, I attend to my regular farm work;As the year progresses, the harvest becomes rewarding.I go out at dawn to apply my modest toil,And return at sunset carrying…

  • Mencius – Chapter 13.32

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    Gongsun Chou questions why scholars eat without farming. Mencius argues their governance stabilizes states and their teachings nurture filial, loyal youth. Their spiritual and political contributions make their labor far more valuable than farming.