“He who knows all the answers has not been asked all the questions.”
I think this quote discusses how there is no possible way of knowing everything and anything because just as quickly as we learn something, something is created. So maybe to truly be knowledgeable, you don't have to know everything, but act as if you want to by asking those questions.
“If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.”
I think there could be many ways of interpreting this quote. But for me at least, it's about how the fruits of our labor are directly related to the effort and energy put into the labor. It is much more difficult to teach people than it is to plant a seed, which is why they have different outcomes.
“Don’t complain about the snow on your neighbor’s roof when your own doorstep is unclean.”
believe that this quote is the indirect way of saying don't be hypocritical and point out things other people do when you're no better.
Don’t complain about the snow on your neighbor’s roof when your own doorstep is unclean.”
I believe that this quote is the indirect way of saying don't be hypocritical and point out things other people do when you're no better.
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
I thought that I would know any of Confucius's quotes, but this saying is something I feel globally understands or has heard of.
These titles are not the actual names of the emperors, but this is how they are known in their own time and in Chinese history.
Even though the emperor of this time referred to himself and was known as Hwongwu, I wonder if he and other emperors proclaimed truly always matched the nature of their rule objectvley speaking.
, the Mongols’ reopening of the Silk Road brought foreign diseases to China. Bubonic Plague, the “Black Death” that killed possibly half the European population in the 14th century, actually hit China first.
Speaking of having a eurpoean centered way of thinking when it comes to world history. It's interesting to think that the disease I always associate with Europe and thought to have orginated their hit China first and began in Kyrgyzstan.
For example, Confucian principles perpetuated and exacerbated the oppression of women, who had no standing in the male-dominated family structure.
I think one of the reasons why Confucianism and his ideologies were so beloved and viewed as law was because he reinforced rhetoric from his ancestors' generation. I think this made many overlook whether these traditions were good or bad because of their longstanding nature.
“Is there a single word that could guide a person throughout life?” Confucius replied, “How about ‘reciprocity’! Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself.” (Analects XV.24) The Chinese, who valued silver higher than gold, called this the silver rule.
When I see the silver rule, it reminds me of the golden rule I grew up hearing, "Treat people how you want to be treated". I wonder if this rule was adapted by Confucius and his students' conversation about reciprocity.