📚 Have you ever felt stuck in a public speech or a social gathering? Modern life throws us many challenges – but ancient Confucian teachings might hold the key! In a recent PAGE X session, Hu Zongfeng, president of the Shaanxi Translators Association from the Chinese mainland, shares insights from the co-translated volume Great Virtues in the Chinese Tradition, created with British scholar Robin Gilbank.
He dives into two core Confucian pillars:
- 🎶 Poetry (shi): More than art, it’s a way to express your best self in any public moment.
- 🤝 Rites (li): The unwritten rules that help you stand firm, build respect, and navigate social circles.
In one vivid story, Confucius guides his son Kong Li: “Without learning poetry, one cannot express oneself appropriately in public. Without learning rites, one cannot stand firm in society or navigate social relations.” These simple but powerful ideas still pack a punch today, from boardrooms to social media feeds!
Why it matters: In a fast-paced digital world, blending creative expression with social etiquette can boost confidence, deepen connections, and help you stand out. Whether you’re pitching a startup, acing a classroom debate, or exploring new cultures, adding a dash of poetry and a pinch of propriety could be your secret weapon. 🛡️✨
PAGE X invites thinkers from all fields to spotlight the books that shaped them. This fresh take on Confucian philosophy proves that even 2,500-year-old wisdom can spark modern inspiration.
Reference(s):
Page X: Confucian wisdom and Chinese virtues for modern guidance
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