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he Three Character Classic’s very first lesson arises from a philosophical belief of the Confucian scholar Mencius, and which was shared by other philosophers like JeanJacques Rousseau and Immanuel Kant: “People at birth Are good by nature. Their natures are much the same, But their habits become widely different.” In other words, people are born innately good. As a result, their natures are very similar at the beginning. Young infants and toddlers may vary in their personality, but by and large they share similar natures of innocence and purity that we adults do not share as a whole. However, as we grow up in differing living environments and are influenced by various people and experiences, we develop priorities and habits that push us further and further apart. Some of us learn to value family and filial piety with utmost importance; others learn to value work and finances above all things. Some find gratification in life through fulfilling material wants; others find meaning in spiritual pursuit. The following real anecdote illustrates how two old friends grew up and developed very different personalities and values in life:
As we grow up in differing living environments and are influenced by various people and experiences, we develop priorities and habits that push us further and further apart.
Same Background, Different Values
A Chinese writer relates how her father, Jing, was a respectful, kind, and honest man, who worked as a carpenter in a village in China. His good character made him well-liked by everyone. Jing had an old classmate named Wang, whom he was good friends with. One day, Wang invited Jing over to his house for dinner and drinks. As they were drinking and chatting, Jing noticed an elderly man, who looked like a servant, bringing them tea and wine and cooking food for them. So he asked Wang, “Who is this elderly man?” Wang replied, “Oh, that’s my father.” Jing was thunderstruck; he could not believe that anyone—let alone his friend— would treat their own parent like a servant. He jumped up and apologised profusely to the elderly man, “Uncle, please forgive my rudeness.” He then helped the man into his seat, and poured him a glass of wine. Jing then turned to Wang and said, “I am no longer your friend. You don’t know how to respect your elders.” He picked up
Kou Zhun lived a frugal life despite being a prime minister. When he once fell into indulgence, he was moved to tears and quickly changed his ways after reading a poem left by his mother before she died.
his tools and left. Wang tried to say something, but Jing was already gone. Jing had learned from a young age that one must always be respectful to one’s elders and teachers. Wang, in contrast, had not learnt to take this principle to heart. Despite being old friends and growing up in the same village, both Jing and Wang had developed widely different characters—one of which was better than the other.
Kou Zhun (寇准)Receives a Lesson Beyond the Grave
So what makes a person become more like Jing instead of Wang? The answer lies in the next stanza of the Three Character Classic: “If foolishly there is no teaching, the nature will deteriorate. The right way in teaching is to attach the utmost importance in thoroughness.”
If [Kou Zhun’s] character starts to go astray, give this painting to him. —Final instructions of Kou Zhun’s dying mother, to her loyal servant
A person’s innately good nature is maintained through teaching and guidance throughout one’s life. Without guidance, however, this good nature can be corrupted. A great example is the story of Kou Zhun, a prime minister who lived during China’s Northern Song Dynasty. Kou was born into a family of intellectuals. However, Kou’s father died when Kou was young. He was raised singlehandedly by his mother, who wove fabric to help them get by. Despite their poverty and hardship, Kou Zhun’s mother taught him and urged him to work hard, so that he could one day make great contributions to society. Kou proved to be extremely intelligent, and he did not disappoint his mother. At 18, he passed the National Examinations with outstanding results. He was thus amongst the lucky few to be selected by the emperor to become a government official. The good news spread What was on the painting by to Kou’s mother, who was Kou’s mother? To find out visit the link below to read the rest of seriously ill at the time. As the article! she lay dying, Kou’s mother gave a faithful servant a painting she had made. “Kou Zhun will one day become a government official,” she whispered. “If his character starts to go astray, give this painting to http://goo.gl/cvCSpN him.”
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