Self-Content Without Complaints
Learning from the sayings of Confucius
The Master said, “Is it not pleasant to learn with a constant perseverance and application?”
“Is it not pleasant to have friends coming from distant quarters?”
“Is he not a man of complete virtue, who feels no discomposure though men may take no note of him?”
— Chapter 1, Book 1, The Analects of Confucius
In my previous article, Studying for the Purpose of Taking Action, I focused on the first sentence in the above quote of The Analects. Now it’s turn to analyze the rest, especially the last sentence. Again, the teaching seems obvious, but if you reflect more on it, you will find wisdom beneficial to your life.
We frequently complain because others don’t know or understand us. Here are two typical scenarios and their causes.
Scenario 1: This is so easy or obvious. I know it clearly. How come you don’t know?
We are frustrated because something seeming so obvious to us is not comprehended by others…
