chinese history, ethical governance, frugality, honesty, integrity, northern song dynasty, sima guang, sima kang, simplicity in living

Timeless Virtues: The Honesty and Frugality of Prime Minister Sima Guang

Sima Guang (1019-1086), a prime minister of the Northern Song Dynasty, also known by his courtesy name Junshi, was a native of Sushui Township in Xia County (present-day Shanxi Xia County), Shaanxi Province. He was a renowned historian. When Sima Guang was born, his father, Sima Chi, served as the Guangshan County magistrate in Guangzhou. ...

Mikel Davis

Statue of Sima Guang.

Integrity and Gratitude Lead to Blessings

To receive help from the heavens, one must first be a good person with integrity. Your deeds shape your fortune. As the saying goes: “You reap what you sow.” Planting seeds of kindness ensures a harvest of goodness. The scholar’s integrity There’s a story from the Ming Dynasty about Peng Jiao, a scholar on his ...

Mikel Davis

View of a cornfield at sunset.

Unwavering Integrity: Pei Huaigu’s Enduring Legacy in the Tang Dynasty

Pei Huaigu, a distinguished figure in the Tang Dynasty, is celebrated for his exceptional governance and unwavering integrity. His tenure as the prefect of Bingzhou marked a period of profound admiration and respect from the populace. During the Shenlong era, Pei’s consistent excellence in administrative achievements led to his promotion to the esteemed position of ...

Mikel Davis

Engraving on the lid of a Chinese wooden box showing birds and flowers.

A $50 Test Reveals People’s Honesty

A TV program called What Would You Do? has become very popular among American viewers and is hosted by John Quiñones. The aim of the program appears to test, to a certain extent, the honesty of the general public, whereby the staff will create a minor incident to see how ordinary people treat or handle ...

Emma Lu

A U.S. $50 note.

The Importance of Honesty: Timeless Lessons From Chinese History

In Chinese history, honesty and trustworthiness are foundational tenets of life. They are noble qualities and sentiments that convey esteem for others and respect for oneself. People are naturally opposed to the kind of promises that are fake and shallow, and even more so opposed to ugly acts of deceit and treachery. Here are some ...

Michael Segarty

Illustration of plum blossoms and a fisherman in Chinese painting style.

The Importance of Honesty: Lessons From Three Stories

In a world where shortcuts and quick fixes often seem tempting, the virtue of honesty remains a cornerstone of character. The following three stories underscore the importance of honesty, reminding us that honesty is not only a moral duty, but also a pathway to unexpected rewards. 3 results of honesty 1. A soldier’s surprise victory ...

Max Lu

Signpost with the words 'honesty,' 'integrity,' and 'ethics' on it.

A God-Sent Magic Coin Made a Man Rich

Not long ago in China, a young man was honest and good at math and writing. He knew how to do business well and had saved up some money. Unfortunately, bad luck followed, which made him lose all the coins he had earned. He ended up wandering the streets and destitute. One night, he was ...

Emma Lu

A few Chinese yuan coins.

Guiding Integrity: The Upright and Honest Advisors of Ancient China

In ancient China’s history, wisdom and integrity were paramount virtues. Rulers often sought counsel when faced with perplexing matters, including unsettling dreams and omens. Those endowed with good character, like Yan Zi and Gongsun Sheng, diligently fulfilled their duties, prioritizing their responsibilities over personal gain or safety. Yan Zi’s wise counsel and integrity Duke Jing ...

Mikel Davis

Illustration of a man dressed in the robes of an ancient Chinese official.

Priceless Morality: The Finnish Belief in Honesty

The Finnish people are renowned for their honesty. A global “honesty test” conducted by Reader’s Digest in 16 cities worldwide, where wallets containing 1,400 euros, family photos, and contact details were intentionally dropped in busy streets, revealed that the people of Helsinki, Finland’s capital, were the most honest. Out of 12 wallets, 11 were returned ...

Max Lu

A man waving a Finnish flag.