Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
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Introduction: This article profiles Tao Yuanming, a celebrated Eastern Jin recluse. Disgusted by aristocratic corruption, he quit official life, refusing to bow for a petty salary. He embraced rural simplicity, wrote timeless pastoral poems, and created The Peach Blossom Spring – a utopia of peace and freedom. His integrity made him an icon of…
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Confucius said, “There are three kinds of beneficial joys and three kinds of harmful joys. To take joy in regulating oneself through rites and music, to take joy in praising others’ virtues, and to take joy in having many worthy friends – these are beneficial. To take joy in arrogance, to take joy in…
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The Master said, “The people’s need for humaneness is even greater than their need for water and fire. I have seen people die by stepping into water or fire, but I have never seen anyone die from practicing humaneness.”
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The Master said, “The noble person is dignified but not contentious; he associates with others but does not form cliques.”
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The Master said, “Be strict with yourself and lenient in blaming others, and you will stay far from resentment.”
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Zilu asked Confucius, “What makes a noble person (junzi)?”The Master said, “Cultivate yourself with reverence.”Zilu asked, “Is that all?”The Master replied, “Cultivate yourself so as to bring peace to others.”Zilu asked again, “Is that all?”The Master said, “Cultivate yourself so as to bring peace to all the people. Even Yao and Shun would have…
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The Master said, “The noble person seeks harmony but not blind conformity; the petty person seeks conformity but not true harmony.”
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Duke Ye asked about governance. The Master said, “When those nearby are pleased, those from afar will come.”
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The Master said, “If a good person governs a state for a hundred years, he can overcome cruelty and abolish capital punishment. Truly, this saying is correct!”