說苑   By: Xiang Liu (77? BC - 6? BC)

說苑 by Xiang Liu is a collection of ancient Chinese wisdom and aphorisms that offer profound insights into various aspects of life. The book covers a wide range of topics such as ethics, governance, personal development, and relationships.

I found the writing style of Xiang Liu to be elegant and evocative, making the ancient wisdom feel both timeless and relevant to contemporary readers. The aphorisms are concise yet thought-provoking, encouraging introspection and reflection.

One of the highlights of the book is its exploration of the importance of virtue and integrity in both personal and political life. Xiang Liu emphasizes the need for honesty, humility, and compassion, presenting a vision of a harmonious society built on ethical principles.

Overall, 說苑 is a treasure trove of wisdom that offers valuable lessons for readers seeking guidance on how to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in exploring the teachings of ancient Chinese philosophy.

First Page:

卷一　君道 晉平公問于師曠曰：“人君之道如何？”對曰：“人君之道清淨無為 ，務在博愛，趨在任賢；廣開耳目，以察万方；不固溺于流俗，不拘系于 左右；廓然遠見，踔然獨立；屢省考績，以臨臣下。此人君之操也。”平 公曰：“善！” 齊宣王謂尹文曰：“人君之事何如？”尹文對曰：“人君之事，無為 而能容下。夫事寡易從，法省易因；故民不以政獲罪也。大道容眾，大德 容下；圣人寡為而天下理矣。書曰：‘睿作圣’。詩人曰：‘岐有夷之行 ，子孫其保之！’”宣王曰：“善！” 成王封伯禽為魯公，召而告之曰：“爾知為人上之道乎？凡處尊位者 必以敬，下順德規諫，必開不諱之門，撙節安靜以借之，諫者勿振以威， 毋格其言，博采其辭，乃擇可觀。夫有文無武，無以威下，有武無文，民 畏不親，文武俱行，威德乃成；既成威德，民親以服，清白上通，巧佞下 塞，諫者得進，忠信乃畜。”伯禽再拜受命而辭。 陳靈公行僻而言失，泄冶曰：“陳其亡矣！吾驟諫君，君不吾听而愈 失威儀。夫上之化下，猶風靡草，東風則草�... Continue reading book >>