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.

Sima Guang: Assessing the Abilities and Virtues of People

Sima Guang (1019-1086), courtesy name Junshi, was a native of Shanxi Xia County, a litterateur, and a historian in the Northern Song Dynasty. He consecutively served as an official across four emperors, taking charge of the compilation of the first Chinese general history, History as a Mirror. He was a paradigm of Confucian education and ...

Nspirement Staff

Sima Guang.

Unconditional Love, Along With Discipline, Produces Children of Gratitude

“Young people today are so ungrateful!” is a statement heard throughout society today. The question we all should be asking ourselves is why are we producing children who show no gratitude? It is easy to look outside ourselves and place blame on others, but how often do we look at ourselves as parents and adults ...

Monica Song

Happy family playing together.