archival records, berlin wall, citizen action, courage, east germany, secret police, stasi, surveillance state

The Fall of the Berlin Wall and the Courageous Act That Preserved History

The sudden collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked not only the physical dismantling of a barrier but also the symbolic crumbling of an oppressive regime. The East German State Security Service, known as Stasi, was a formidable force that had, for decades, instilled fear in the hearts of the people it was supposed ...

Max Lu

Germans celebrating at Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

The Wisdom of the Fields: A Tale of Courage, Generosity, and Forgiveness

In a small rural village, a 7-year-old boy experienced his first life lesson under the guidance of his father in the vast expanse of their family fields. The task was simple yet daunting for the young boy: to rid the field of weeds without harming the tender rice seedlings. As the boy stood paralyzed by ...

Max Lu

Crops growing in a rice paddy flooded with water.

An Unforgettable Encounter: A Tale of Wolves and Soldiers in the Snow

Imagine being stuck in the snow, surrounded by a pack of hungry wolves. Sounds like a chilling scene from a thriller movie, right? But this was a reality for a group of soldiers in China. Their unforgettable encounter unfolded in the snow-covered landscapes, where an unexpected alliance between man and beast was formed. The encounter ...

Max Lu

Closeup shot of a gray wolf in the snow.

2 Stories of Self-Defense Using Courage and Wisdom in Ancient China

The following two stories reveal how courage and wisdom can be used to defend oneself. 1. How Zheng outwitted an immoral king During the Tang Dynasty of Ancient China, King Teng was known for his highly lewd and immoral disposition. For instance, he swore to sleep with all the beautiful wives of the officials. To ...

Emma Lu

The Great Wall of China.

Selfless Acts of Brotherhood

Selflessness is one of the rarest virtues, and selfless acts often move Heaven and Earth. They may also lead to tangible rewards in the human world. In the long river of history, every family has their own stories of selfless brotherhood — brothers who fought for justice, brothers willing to give their lives to uphold ...

Jack Roberts

Ancient Chinese painting on a blue porcelain tray.

Want to Become a Good Man, Then Hone These Qualities as a Boy

It is expected that a man will have a solid character so that he can protect, provide for, and be with his family. But many men do not match up to these roles. Sons in such families do not get an ideal role model to follow. Here are some qualities which help in becoming a ...

Max Lu

Smiling African American boy sitting on the beach.

The Mighty Virtue of General Han Xin

The stories about Han Xin and his great forbearance have been passed down for thousands of years. There are so many tales and legends from ancient Chinese history about Han Xin, who was a real-life hero. The end of China’s Qin Dynasty was a period of chaos, and the empire was being conquered by various ...

Helen London

Han Xin.

‘Continue’ by Maya Angelou, a Poignant and Beautiful Poem

Maya Angelou, the prolific American writer, civil rights activist, and poet wrote a flawless and touching poem titled Continue, that struck a chord with me today. The poem’s enduring nature is one that strengthens the spirit and says to me exactly what the title suggests — “continue.” Maya Angelou’s last tweet inspires connection Maya Angelou ...

Jessica Kneipp

Young black woman with eyes closed.

5 Uplifting Virtues of Jade

Jade is synonymous with Chinese culture, ancient and modern. Jade has been attributed with many fine virtues over the millennia. In this article, we will discuss the traditional “Five Virtues of Jade.” The Five Virtues of Jade are: 1. Benevolence, 2. Righteousness, 3. Intelligence, 4. Courage, 5. Cleanliness. The Chinese philosopher Confucius made jade a ...

Michael Segarty

A carved jade flower..