character, chess, humility, integrity, wisdom

Chess and Character: How the Game Reveals One’s True Nature

Character is the foundation upon which we stand in the world. Those of poor character often resort to opportunistic shortcuts and lack sincerity. Let’s delve into some stories of how ancient people discerned character through the game of chess. Wang Anshi: Chess and character Wang Anshi, a renowned official from the Northern Song Dynasty, was ...

Max Lu

Close up shot of the pieces sitting on a chess board.

A Big Tree Bears More Wind: The Value of Keeping a Low Profile

Just like a big tree that is more easily damaged by the wind, a person who is too conspicuous or showcases their abilities too prominently can draw unwanted attention and criticism. Embracing the wisdom of ancient China, this article delves into the art of keeping a low profile and the timeless value of humility. Zeng ...

Emma Lu

Huge linden tree with orange leaves in an autumn meadow with a blue cloudy sky.

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.

Calm in Chaos: 12 Ways to Boost Your Patience Quotient

The constant rush of modern life and the desire for instant results has made patience a rare commodity. Frustration sets in when you can’t have what you want, leaving you feeling stuck and disheartened. Many struggle with maintaining composure and grace during challenging moments, and being impatient can be a significant roadblock to personal growth ...

Viena Abdon

Woman stressing, overthinking events alone at home.

Ancient Tale: The Emperor’s Savior

Initially serving under Emperor Chai Shizong of the Later Zhou Dynasty, Zhao Kuangyin (known as Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty) was just an ordinary general. One day, he found himself embroiled in a deadly battle with the enemy. Zhao Kuangyin was in the thick of the fight when suddenly, an arrow struck his warhorse ...

Mikel Davis

Mural showing an ancient Chinese warrior with his horse.

The 3 Taboos of Wealth and Status: How Behavior Shapes Your Destiny

Regardless of your status or wealth, breaking any of these three major taboos will definitely lead to disasters. In fact, causality and retribution are closely related, though they may seem to be invisible to the human eye. As an old saying goes: “Good begets good, and evil begets evil.”  You may believe that money and ...

Tatiana Denning

On the man's left is an arid landscape with deep cracks in the parched earth and a sandstorm in the distance. On his right is a beautiful expanse of lush, green grass as far as the eye can see with blue sky and a few puffy white clouds overhead.

9 Practical Steps to Cultivating Patience

Living in a fast-paced world where immediate results are the norm, cultivating patience has become more challenging, yet increasingly essential. The virtue of being patient, often admired yet seldom practiced, plays a significant role in maintaining your mental health, managing stress, and fostering healthier relationships. This article aims to shed light on the causes of ...

Nathan Machoka

An upset man talking on the phone.

How a Soldier Learned Humility

Franz was an East German soldier who had served in the military for several years. He had always been a loyal soldier, strictly following orders from his superiors. But one day, he encountered a situation that confused him and questioned his moral conscience. On that day, Franz was assigned to a small town to carry ...

Viena Abdon

East Berlin.