Confucius

Confucius, born in 551 BC, is China’s most famous teacher, philosopher, and political theorist. In founding Confucianism, he influenced generations of scholars and leaders with his beliefs in the importance of learning – which formed the foundation for much of Chinese culture and society for the past 2,500 years. 

His teachings impacted social relationships – emphasizing inner virtue, morality, ethics, filial piety, loyalty, governance, and respect for elders and community – values that continue to resonate to this day. 

The best way to understand Confucius is to consider the following of his quotes that help demonstrate his philosophy and profound wisdom:

“What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.” 

This sentiment is well known in the West – often expressed in Christianity as “do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” and known as the “golden rule.” Confucius believed in respecting others and treating them with kindness – which is considered key to his teachings, and the one thing we should practice every day. 

As writers we are heavily influenced by this quote. Tariana first and then Adam came to surrender materialism in favor of selfless service to others – in our first novel, then even more so in the latter two. 

“To study and not think is a waste. To think and not study is dangerous.” 

Confucius believed in critical thought – that learning and thinking are complementary. If we merely read a book and don’t apply it in the real world, we risk not forming any real original opinions. If we parrot ideas based merely on words of others or facts not thoroughly examined, we run the risk of inheriting and perpetuating misinformation.

We hope that all who read our works apply our words and lessons learned in their own ways – and benefit from the critical thinking we encourage.

“I am not bothered by the fact that I am not understood. I am bothered when I do not know others.” 

While Confucius believed strongly in the power of reciprocity, he believed even more so in not needing to be understood by others – but instead understanding others and learning from them.

Early in his journey, our insecure main character Adam felt a need to be understood. Then he came to the reality that such a need was in fact detrimental to his own self-discovery. We pray our words prompt our readers to this same conclusion.

“If I hear the truth in the morning, I am content even to die in that evening.” 

Confucius believed that searching for truth and following the correct path ensured moral soundness and positive contributions to your community – and ultimately meant a person could die with no regrets.

We learn from great minds like Confucioius  – and hope we guide others to this discovery as well.

“A young man should serve his parents at home and be respectful to elders outside his home. A major part of Confucianism is respecting your elders and ancestors.”

While neither Adam nor Tari had role models in their homelands, each respected the angels, gurus, and mentors that found their ways into their lives. May each of us be blessed by such teachers. Respect them. Value them. Learn from them.

“When we see men of worth, we should think of equaling them; when we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.” 

If we see an admirable quality in someone, we shouldn’t be envious, but should try to cultivate that within ourselves. 

If we see a negative quality in someone, instead of feeling superior, we should look deep within ourselves and reflect on our own internal struggles — because we all have them, and we must all work actively on diminishing them, as did Adam and Tariana throughout the pages of our novels. 

“All good things are to be nourished, without injuring one another.” 

Reciprocity and harmony are two key tenets of Confucianism. Peaceful coexistence can be achieved through respecting each other, promoting interaction, and never dominating others, especially the less fortunate.

Clearly in “Adam,” Bogart and his cronies exhibited the opposite traits – doing all they could to destroy the lives of our heroes. And clearly Adam and Tari did the opposite, turning to selfless service and helping the underprivileged throughout the latter years of their lives.

“Isn't it a pleasure to study and practice what you have learned?”

With this joyous quote, Confucius once again celebrates his love of learning. He suggests that gaining knowledge is not only one of life’s great pleasures, while bearing a duty to share lessons learned with others – the very purpose of why we write.