community connection, cultural heritage, digital memories, health and wellbeing, human touch, life balance, modern lifestyle, preserving traditions, simplicity in life, traditional values

Rediscovering the Lost Treasures of Modern Life

Life is a process of simultaneously gaining and losing. As you grow and your living conditions improve, you often don’t realize what you’re losing while acquiring new things. Some of these lost treasures, although outdated by modern standards, are invaluable to you and, once lost, can never be reclaimed. 1. The loss of tradition When ...

Max Lu

People holding hands are seen in silhouette in front of the setting sun.

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.

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.

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.

Integrity Above All: 3 Stories of Ancient China’s Upright Officials

In the annals of Chinese history, the legacy of integrity and righteousness has been long cherished and revered. Tales of principled officials who stood firm in the face of temptation and upheld the virtues of ethical governance have been passed down through generations, serving as moral compasses for both the rulers and the ruled. These ...

Emma Lu

Liu Tongxun.

Lin Yutang: Enlightenment and Return of Faith and Tradition (Part 2)

Chinese literature, already captivating in its own right, takes on a new dimension when interpreted by Lin Yutang. His magnum opus, the novel Beijing Memories, narrates an authentic Chinese story in impeccable English. Notably, his English biographies on Empress Wu Zetian and Su Dongpo are equally celebrated. His books My Country and My People and ...

Mikel Davis

Statue of Lin Yutang outdoors in Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province, China.

Lin Yutang: Enlightenment and Return of Faith and Tradition (Part 1)

In the late 19th century, in the town of Banzi in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province, there was a notable figure named Lin Zhicheng. A priest by vocation, Lin was often seen ascending to the top of the church. There, he would raise the cross a little higher using steel bars imported from the U.S. Or, at ...

Mikel Davis

Black and white photo of Lin Yutang.

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.

The Ripple Effect of Kindness: A Tale of Good Deeds Bringing Good Fortune

Here is a tale about the fortune that comes from doing good deeds. It is said that Heaven wouldn’t allow such a kind person to live less than 100 years. During the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, there was a scholar who embarked on a journey to the capital to take the imperial examination. ...

Max Lu

Illustration of an elegant white Japanese crane flying in front of cherry blossom trees.

The Art of Self-Improvement Through Ancient Wisdom

Self-improvement or personal development is a goal you set to improve your status, knowledge, or character through your effort. Almost everyone wants to improve their self-worth, recognition, and respect in the modern, fast-paced era.  Even if you haven’t read any self-help books, you’ve heard of truisms like “be yourself” or “let go” in your workplace ...

Nathan Machoka

Self-improvement.