Many moons ago when I was in the 8th grade one of our favorite things to do was to make up ‘Confucius’ jokes. I remember a few of them but sadly I cannot put them in print although I think that 11 and 12 year old males today would find them quite rib-tickling (girls not so much). This, of course, was long before I knew that there was a Confucius and that he did say things; he gave us counsel. Well, Gentle Reader, I thought I would share some of Confucius’ Counsel with you this fine sunny morning (sunny where I am anyway).
CONFUCIUS COUNSELS US:
To put the world in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must cultivate our personal life; and to cultivate our personal life, we must first set our hearts right.
It is better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness.
The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.
The father who does not teach his son his duties is equally guilty with the son who neglects them.
A man who stands on a hill with his mouth open will wait a long time for roast duck to drop in.
The essence of knowledge is, having it, to apply it; not having it, to confess your ignorance.
To see what is right, and not do it, is want of courage, or of principle.
Learn as though you would never be able to master it; hold it as though you would be in fear of losing it.
The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.
Think no vice so small that you may commit it, and no virtue so small that you may over look it.
Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself.
Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.
I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.
The superior man is aware of righteousness, the inferior man is aware of advantage.
He who learns but does not think is in great danger; he who thinks but does not learn is lost.
Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.
To be able under all circumstances to practice five things constitutes perfect virtue; these five things are. . .gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness and kindness.
Searcher-Seeker 