Confucius taught the world that there were six simple joys for happiness in life, which still hold true in today’s society.
6 joys of Confucius
1. The joy of practice and learning analects
Isn’t it a pleasure to study and practice what you have learned? Learning is a continuous process of improvement that brings us toward perfection. The joy of learning is the constant pursuit of truth from a state of perplexity to understanding. This comes through your own effort, bringing with it unlimited satisfaction. The joy of practice is transforming knowledge into ability so that what is learned can then naturally become wisdom.
2. The joy of making friends analects
Isn’t it also great when friends visit from distant places? As the saying goes: “Within the sea, there are good friends, and over the horizon there are neighbors.” Making friends is a happy thing. Confucius was not only good at making friends, he also made many friends who brought him joy.
3. The joy of music thoughts
Success comes because of music. According to legend, Confucius edited and arranged 305 poetry pieces and it was said that he could blend his poetry into song, with harmony, beauty, and goodness.
4. The joy of educating people thoughts
Joy comes from learning with love and teaching tirelessly. Confucius had more than 70 disciples, who all became excellent sages. This gift to the world was then passed on to later generations. Confucius himself became the Master of sages.
5. The joy of landscape architecture analects
The wise love water, while the benevolent love mountains. The Chinese character for joy opened up the Chinese people’s love of landscapes; particularly for those scholars who were inspired by Confucius. The magnificence of mountains complements the suppleness of water, stimulating a strong sense of beauty in the mind, and bringing happiness.
6. The joy of properly prepared food basics
The blending of food also results in harmony and is an important part of the philosophy; without harmony, food cannot taste good. Confucius attached great importance to food and correct eating habits, among which he said: “Do not talk while eating.”
These are but a taste of the wise thoughts and teachings of a man so revered by history that his legacy lives on today. How will you make use of these joys? How lucky we are to learn from the Sage of all Sages.
Translated by Chua BC and edited by Stef C
