Learning from Confucius: The need for daily self-analysis May 7, 2017
Posted by Dennis Mellersh in Concept of personal development.Tags: Confucius, inspiration, life, personal development, personal development potential, personal growth, philosophy, writing
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By Dennis Mellersh
Rigorously learning a plan of personal development and self-improvement, no matter how thorough and profound it is, will not benefit us much if we aren’t honest in our self-appraisal.
If we are not truthful with ourselves, with our inner commitment, in terms of what we are doing outwardly, we are not on a path of growth.
This from Confucius:
“Master Tseng said:
‘Each day I ask three things of myself: Have I been trustworthy in all that I’ve done for other people? Have I stood by my word in dealing with friends? Have I practised all that I’ve been taught?’” (1)
(1) Confucius, the Analects, as translated in David Hinton’s book, The Four Chinese Classics, Counterpoint, Berkeley, California, 2013
Personal development and the avoidance of extremes April 7, 2017
Posted by Dennis Mellersh in Personal Development Potential.Tags: Confucius, inspiration, life, personal growth, philosophy, self-improvement, spirituality
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By Dennis Mellersh
Both ancient and modern advice on methods for living our lives better suggests that “the middle way” is the most effective and satisfying path to realizing our self-actualization potential
If we do all of our work at breakneck speed, we will make mistakes, burn out, or both
If we drink or eat to excess we will harm our health
If we are too uncompromising, it’s hard to be empathetic
If we are always intense it’s hard to see the value of balance
And, this from Confucius:
The Master said: “When everyone hates a person, you should investigate thoroughly. And when everyone loves a person, you should also investigate thoroughly.” (1)
(1) Confucius, The Analects, translated by David Hinton in his book, The Four Chinese Classics, published by Counterpoint.
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