The Emperor’s Dilemma: Selecting a Successor in Ancient China

In ancient times, an emperor’s selection of a successor was a matter of paramount importance, a decision that could not be taken lightly. The future of the “realm” rested on this choice: Which son would inherit the throne? Who possessed the capability and wisdom to sustain a nation? With only one crown for the taking, ...

Michael Segarty

'The Kangxi Emperor's Southern Inspection Tour.'

6 Natural Skincare Secrets From the Ancient Greeks

Skincare has been around for ages. The first archaeological skincare products discovered in Egypt reveal that ancient Egyptians utilized skincare products as early as 6,000 years ago. They employed castor, moringa, and sesame oils to moisturize their skin and reduce wrinkles. Not to be outdone, ancient Greeks had amazing skincare products as well, and you ...

Nathan Machoka

Woman with a beautiful face.

The Grape and the Monk: An Ancient Parable on Shaping One’s Destiny

Throughout history, tales have been told to illuminate the deeper truths of our existence, to guide us when we feel lost, and to remind us of the power that lies within. Such is the ancient parable of Defu, whose name symbolizes fortune, but whose life was marked by anything but. Through an unexpected encounter with ...

Mikel Davis

Two hands holding purple grapes.

The Wise Judgment of Zhao He: An Ancient Chinese Tale of Justice

In ancient China’s governance system, local officials could only exercise authority within their territories. Once they crossed the boundaries of their jurisdiction, they had no permission to handle cases beyond their region. An exemplary official in Jiangyin When Emperor Luzong of the Tang Dynasty had just ascended the throne, Zhao He served as the county ...

Mikel Davis

Pink plum blossom.

Lessons From Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times

The ancient Chinese were not only intelligent but deeply wise. Their wisdom was reflected in their long-term vision, an indifference to immediate gain, and an understanding of the natural order of things. They believed in acting virtuously, with the conviction that even if they faced suffering in their lifetime, good fortune would eventually be bestowed ...

Max Lu

A group of swans take off in flight from a lake.

Lupin Coffee: The Ancient, Caffeine-Free Alternative to Traditional Brews

The world has long been enamored with coffee, with over a billion consumers and approximately 2 billion cups consumed daily. Yet not everyone can indulge in the conventional coffee experience due to allergies, intolerances, or adverse reactions like palpitations, headaches, indigestion, and heartburn. Enter lupin coffee, a promising caffeine-free alternative growing in popularity for those ...

Nathan Machoka

A cup of lupin coffee.

Fan Li’s Secret to Attaining Wealth in Business in Ancient China

When Goujian, the ruler of the state of Yue in ancient China, found himself trapped on Mount Kuaiji by King Fuchai of Wu, he received valuable counsel from his advisor Fan Li. Fan Li advised Goujian on how to navigate this dire situation and emphasized that in times of crisis, one must prioritize preserving one’s ...

Tatiana Denning

A mountain in China.

2 Mysterious Ancient Chinese Bottles

Ancient Chinese people were known for creating many marvelous items, and today, we’ll be exploring two fascinating stories about ancient Chinese bottles. 1. The blue copper bottle Our first story comes from the book Shi Tian Weng Ke Zuo Xin Wen by Shen Zhou during the Ming Dynasty. Ten miles west of Pingding County in ...

Max Lu

A blue bottle.

Story From Ancient China: Wang Wei Identifies the Melon Thief

Wang Wei (701-761) was a renowned poet of the Tang Dynasty. Beyond his poetic prowess, he was an expert in music, painting, and calligraphy. As a child, he was not only bright, but he also possessed a strong sense of justice. A melon mystery in the neighborhood Near Wang Wei’s home lived an elderly man ...

Max Lu

Illustration of an ancient Chinese scholar seated beneath a tree.