According to Google, today is Confucious‘ birthday (technically it should be October 15th for the 2009 Lunar Calendar).
I click on the Google customised event logo, eager to learn something of this great philosopher from my ancestry. Besides the warranted link to Wikipedia, I link to a page of his quotes.
I always knew – of course everyone knows, that Confucious is one of the greatest or at least well known philosophers in history, but somewhere along the line, I got wind that much of his teachings contributed to the chauvinistic and problematic ways of thinking in today’s society. It was easier for me to discredit and put aside his knowledge than to delve into the nitty gritties of why people came to this conclusion. There was no desire to make an argument for or against these accusations. But that was years ago.
I’ve decided that I do want to dedicate my time to learning and understanding as much as I can. I’ve decided that all knowledge is powerful whether I agree with it or not, and that it’s worth my time to debate ideas thoughts and theories even if just to myself. I’ve decided to be a student again. On my own terms.
To my delight, I did find many of these quotes to be both enlightening and relative. It gave substance to much of what I already believe and insight to more ideas to ponder over.
I leave you here with one quote – it sums up what I strive for and know will achieve one day:
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life”
- Confucious
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