Mikel Davis

Song Dynasty Love Story: The Tale of Liu Tingyi

In the annals of Chinese history, some names shine brighter than others. Su Dongpo, also known as Su Shi, is one such luminary — a renowned poet, essayist, painter, and statesman of the Song Dynasty. His influence was vast, comparable to the likes of Shakespeare in the West. Su’s writings give us a profound window ...

Mikel Davis

Artwork titled 'Lone Scholar in the Autumn Woods' by Zhang Daqian, using ink and color on paper.

Wisdom Wrapped in Humor: Inspiring Tales From Icons of History

Throughout history, humor has been an indomitable tool in the arsenal of leaders, thinkers, and innovators. It serves not just as a source of amusement, but as a bridge between contrasting ideas, a salve for wounds both personal and societal, and a testament to the enduring human spirit. The anecdotes that follow demonstrate the diverse ...

Mikel Davis

Frozen rose on clear ice.

Hard as Ice, Fluid as Water: An Allegory on the Stages of a Successful Life

A young businessman was betrayed by his partner and was left without wealth or hope. Desperate and despondent, he decided to end his life by jumping into a lake. On its banks, he encountered a wise monk deep in meditation. Overwhelmed with relief, the man eagerly approached the monk, shared his tragic tale, and sincerely ...

Mikel Davis

Ice in the form of a heart.

Transformative Thinking: 5 Inspirational Stories

There is a Chinese proverb that highlights the importance of addressing fundamental issues before anything else. It uses the metaphor of farming: If a field is unable to hold water, then no matter how good the seeds are or how hard you work, the effort will ultimately be wasted. Similarly, no matter how hard you ...

Mikel Davis

Comfortable corner of the library with books, glasses, and a bouquet of flowering willow branches.

Wisdom From Historical Figures

In various epochs of human history, we find leaders and thinkers who stand out for their wisdom, wit, and a keen understanding of human nature. From the corridors of American politics to the enlightening teachings of ancient China, the following anecdotes unveil glimpses of wisdom from some of history’s most esteemed figures, such as Abraham ...

Mikel Davis

Two turtles representing wisdom.

The Accuracy of Fortune-Telling: How Fate Can Be Altered by Good Deeds

Is fortune-telling accurate? This question has sparked different opinions for ages. Why do some fortune-tellers get their predictions right, while others miss the mark? What are the factors that determine the accuracy of fortune-telling? The following tale might just enlighten you. Xue Er’s fortune During the Qing Dynasty, there was a famous face reader in ...

Mikel Davis

A tree covered with spring blossoms next to West Lake in Hangzhou, China.