Acts of Kindness Bring Divine Favor

In the bustling town of Jiaxing, there lived a scholar named Zhu, who was originally from Huizhou. Gifted and eager to study from a young age, Zhu faced the unfortunate demise of his parents when he was just in his early teens. This calamity forced him to abandon his education, but not his acts of ...

Max Lu

Illustration of an ancient Chinese village with a river running through it.

The Transformative Power of Kindness

In an extraordinary display of humanity’s capacity for good, a story unfolds within the walls of a hospital, showcasing how the power of kindness can indeed alter the course of lives and, by extension, the universe itself. A second chance from an unlikely source It all began when a prisoner diagnosed with leukemia was brought ...

Max Lu

A hospital emergency room.

Cao Cao’s Leadership Principles: Trust and Integrity in the Three Kingdoms Era

In the ancient Shuowen Dictionary, trust is defined as a blend of sincerity and reliability, emphasizing the importance of keeping one’s word. This concept was deeply valued in ancient China, with many proverbs highlighting the significance of integrity in personal and professional relationships. Cao Cao, the ruler of the Wei state during the Three Kingdoms ...

Mikel Davis

A statue of Cao Cao at Weiwudi Square.

Fan Zhongyan’s Diligence and Resilience

Fan Zhongyan’s mother, Mrs. Xie, had a difficult life, experienced much hardship, and tasted many bitter experiences. As a result, she placed great hope in her son. Inspired by the dedication of Mencius’ mother, Mrs. Xie devoted herself to her son’s education. Fan Zhongyan disciplined himself like the famed Chinese philosopher Yan Hui and worked ...

Mikel Davis

Fan Zhongyan.

The Power of Forgiveness Over Punishment: Lessons From Life’s Journey

The choice between forgiveness and punishment is a recurring theme that shapes the course of lives and relationships. While the instinct for retribution is deeply ingrained in our sense of justice, there are compelling narratives that illustrate the transformative power of empathy and understanding. These stories, transcending time and place, offer profound insights into the ...

Max Lu

A lotus flower sits with spa stones and a piece of bamboo.

The Virtue of Silence: The Tale of a Compassionate Healer

In the annals of Qing Dynasty lore, the story of Wei Lianfang’s father stands out as a beacon of compassion and medical expertise. A physician of great virtue, he treated all who sought his help with unwavering dedication, regardless of their financial status. His generosity knew no bounds; for those too impoverished to afford treatment, ...

Max Lu

Blocks spelling out the word 'silence.'

8 Profound Lessons to Draw From the Biggest Kindness Study

In 2021, in partnership with BBC Radio, the School of Psychology at the University of Sussex conducted the most extensive study on kindness, dubbed “The Kindness Test.” About 60,000 people aged 19-44 from 144 countries participated in this study. The researchers wanted to know the most common acts of being kind, the relationship between being ...

Nathan Machoka

Lending a helping hand.

Embracing Harmony and Tolerance: Wisdom From Ancient China

Tolerance, patience, generosity, and kindness are easily spoken of, but they are challenging to embody, especially in today’s fast-paced world. In interpersonal dealings, the ability to show tolerance is not just admirable, but is also instrumental in resolving conflicts. Stories from ancient China, steeped in traditional culture, offer insightful examples of how these virtues were ...

Mikel Davis

Huashan mountain in China.

The True Essence of Aristocracy: Beyond Wealth and Opulence

In a world where wealth often takes center stage, aristocracy is frequently misunderstood. The authentic British aristocratic spirit is neither about extravagance nor about flaunting wealth. Many wealthy individuals from abroad send their children to prestigious British schools, hoping they will emerge as nobles. Yet they are puzzled that even at the esteemed Eton College, ...

Max Lu

England's Eaton College.