Confucius’s Nine Principles of Wisdom
Confucius's philosophy centers on 'ren' (benevolence). His educational ideas, such as justice and equality, have become an important part of the Chinese value system. The following nine principles are based on Confucian philosophical thought.
1Never Stop Moving
As long as we don't stop moving, no matter how slowly we go, we will achieve our goals. Just keep taking the correct steps forward.
It's the rarest thing to persevere. Anyone, regardless of who they are, can perform well if they do it for just one day. But success belongs only to those who remain steadfast in their hearts in any situation.
2The Way to Make Friends
You should never befriend those who are inferior to you in every aspect. Our friends are a reflection of our future selves. 'Like unto the painter, the scholar, and the woodcutter.' It is important to understand where we want to go and what kind of people we want to befriend.
3Things Come to Those Who Wait
It is easier to hate than to love. Things seem easy to hate, easy to refuse, easy to find excuses. But love, forgiveness, and greatness require strong will and much effort.
4Prepare Your Tools Before Working
Diligence is the only path to the life we yearn for. To make a machine work perfectly, we must first properly organize all its parts. Confucius said, 'Without foresight, there is no success; with foresight, it is assured.' When we want to do something, we must always make thorough preparation.
5Right Direction
Moving in the wrong direction is like a futile attack. Don't let the wrong direction ruin our lives. Don't let negative emotions fill our minds. Remember, don't focus on trivial matters. The right direction is everything.
6Consider the Consequences
When anger arises, think about the consequences of anger.
Solomon said, 'He who can control his anger is the most powerful.' So, no matter what circumstances we encounter, think about the consequences before losing our temper.
7Adjust Your Pace
When we find that our goals are becoming obviously unattainable, don't change our goals, but try to adjust our steps towards our goals.
If we haven't yet found a suitable goal for ourselves this year, now is the time to change. Immediately adjust our plans. Don't let failure become a choice. Adjust our sails and move forward at full speed towards our goal. One day, we will surely arrive.
8Three Men Walking, There Will Be a Teacher
'Three men walking, there will be a teacher.' We should learn the strengths of each person and correct our own weaknesses.
Everyone has the potential to be our teacher, whether a sage or a villain. Everyone has a unique experience and lesson that we can analyze and learn from.
9Silent Until Ready, Then Roar
No matter where we want to go, we should wholeheartedly pursue it. 'Do nothing unless you are prepared to do your best. To achieve success, we must make the greatest possible effort.' Only through such a life will we not regret it later.
