Words From the Wise

by joi on May 29, 2007

 

Confucius' Forest
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“When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them.” - Confucius 

I read a lot about the ancient Chinese culture, including a great deal about Confucius. It never ceases to amaze me how much wisdom and artistic beauty existed in this culture.  The quote above is one of my favorite quotes from Confucius. When we read it today, it seems deliciously biting - with sarcasm so perfect that we forgive it for its attitude.

I read a lot about the ancient Chinese culture, including a great deal about Confucius. It never ceases to amaze me how much wisdom and artistic beauty existed in this culture.  The quote above is one of my favorite quotes from Confucius. When we read it today, it seems deliciously biting - with sarcasm so perfect that we forgive it for its attitude.In all actuality, of course, Confucius meant it sincerely. It’s hard to imagine, but there are people who are held into place, paralyzed from abandoning faults or quitting bad habits. The thing that holds many to this spot is fear. Not just fear of the work and effort it’ll actually take to go forward, but a fear of what they’ll be leaving behind. I think they fear that they’ll be leaving a part of themselves “back there” and that they might just miss it!

It might help them to realize that what’s being left behind is actually just baggage - it isn’t THEM at all, it’s what’s holding THEM back. To get rid of a fault or bad habit is to free yourself from the baggage and strain - meaning that in the days ahead you’ll be lighter, brighter, and more yourself than you’ve been in a very long time!

Do you have any faults or habits you’d like to throw off today? By doing so, you’re investing in a better tomorrow. For me, personally, I’ve made up my mind to start eating better.  Diabetes runs in my family, and to not take that bit of information seriously today could mean seriously regretting it tomorrow.

I’m not into serious regrets, so today is the day I start saying NO! to burgers, fries, and their type, and YES! (or at least yes) to salads, fruits, veggies, and their type.

Happy now, Confucius?

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You've gotta be original, because if you're like someone else, what do they need you for? - Bernadette Peters (The Tamarin is 4 of 14)