Civilizational Canons · LC1

Values & Ethics

Cultivating virtue and managing the home: the ethical foundation and enduring warmth of human relations in Chinese letters.

Values & Ethics brings together core prose treatises and family maxims on moral cultivation, kinship responsibility, and ethical integrity, from Confucian classics and Zhuge Liang's admonitions to Li Mi's filial memorials.

Representative works

Three Kingdoms · Zhuge Liang · Letters & PrefacesLetter of Admonition to My SonWithout living simply, one cannot clarify one's aspirations; without stillness, one cannot reach far horizons.LR10490Jin · Li Mi · Essays & MemorialsMemorial Expressing My FeelingsWithout my grandmother, I could not have survived to this day; without me, my grandmother cannot live out her remaining years.LR10489Qing · Zhu Bolu · NotebooksMaxims for Managing the HomeOver a bowl of congee or rice, reflect upon the arduous labor that produced it; holding half a strand of silk, keep in mind the difficulty of material resources.LR10491Tang · Meng Jiao · Yuefu BalladsSong of the Parting SonWho could say that the heart of an inch-long blade of grass could ever repay the boundless sunshine of three springs?LR10500

Read by dynasty

Xia

2070–1600 BCE1 works
  1. Song of the Five SonsBrothers of Xia King Tai Kang · Four-Character VerseOur imperial ancestor gave the precept: The people are the root of a country; when the root is firm, the country is tranquil.

Zhou

1046–256 BCE30 works
  1. Mencius: Fish and Bear's PawMencius · Pre-Qin MastersLife is what I desire; Righteousness is also what I desire. If I cannot possess both, I choose Righteousness over Life.
  2. Mencius: Born in Adversity, Dying in EaseMencius · Pre-Qin MastersThus when Heaven is about to confer a great responsibility upon a person, it first exercises his mind with suffering, toils his sinews, starves his body, subjects him to poverty, and frustrates his endeavors, so as to toughen his will and augment his capabilities. Thus we know that life thrives in adversity and perishes in idle ease.
  3. Mozi: Universal LoveMozi · Pre-Qin MastersRegard another's country as one's own country, regard another's family as one's own family, regard another's person as one's own person. When all under heaven love each other universally there is order; when they hate each other reciprocally there is chaos.
  4. Classic of Poetry · Greater Odes · RestraintDuke Wu of Wei · Four-Character VerseDignified and imposing deportment is the outward manifestation of inner virtue. Ancient folk have said: 'Even the wisest have their foolish moments.' A flaw in a white jade scepter may still be ground away; but a flaw in one's spoken words can never be undone!
  5. Classic of Poetry · Lesser Odes · Cherry BlossomsDuke of Zhou · Four-Character VerseBlossoms of the cherry tree, how radiant in clustered glory! Among all people of our present world, none equals the bond of brothers. Brothers may squabble within the courtyard walls, yet united they repel assault from outside. Though you may have good friends, none will rush to your aid when peril strikes!
  6. Classic of Poetry · Lesser Odes · Luxuriant ArtocarpusAnonymous · Four-Character VerseLuxuriant was the artocarpus, yet it proved mere bitter wormwood. Sorrowful, sorrowful were my parents, toiling in bitter hardship to bear me! Father gave me life, Mother nurtured me: stroking me, feeding me, raising me, educating me, caring for me, shielding me in their arms. Wishing to repay their boundless virtue—it is limitless as the vast heavens!
  7. Mencius · Gongsun Chou I (Excerpt)Mencius · Pre-Qin MastersA man of Song, worried that his sprouts were not growing, pulled them up.
  8. Mencius · Jin Xin I (Excerpt)Mencius · Pre-Qin MastersIt spreads through his four limbs, which understand without being told.
  9. Book of Rites · The Great Learning (Excerpt)Anonymous · Pre-Qin MastersWishing to set their hearts right, they first made their intentions sincere; wishing to make their intentions sincere, they first extended their knowledge; and the extension of knowledge lies in investigating things.
  10. Book of Rites · The Doctrine of the Mean (Excerpt)Zisi · Pre-Qin MastersBefore pleasure, anger, sorrow and joy arise, this is called the Mean; when they arise and all strike their proper measure, this is called harmony.
  11. Analects · Gongye Chang (Excerpt)Disciples of Confucius · Pre-Qin MastersHe was quick and loved learning, and not ashamed to ask those beneath him; that is why he was called 'Wen'.
  12. Analects · Duke Ling of Wei (Excerpt)Disciples of Confucius · Pre-Qin MastersIf anyone governed by doing nothing, it was surely Shun!
  13. Putting Oneself in Others' ShoesDisciples of Confucius · Satirical ParablesDo not do to others what you would not want done to yourself.
  14. Not Plucking a Single HairMencius · Philosophers' FablesUtter selfishness that yields nothing cuts you off from everyone else.
  15. The Highest Good Is Like WaterLaozi · IdiomsSupreme goodness is like water, nourishing all things without contending; humble, selfless virtue.
  16. Great Virtue Carries All ThingsBook of Changes · IdiomsLike the earth, a noble person bears all things with generous virtue; a classic motto of moral cultivation.
  17. The Doctrine of the MeanConfucius · IdiomsThe Confucian way of balance, avoiding excess and deficiency; today also a moderate, compromising attitude.
  18. Investigating Things to Extend KnowledgeGreat Learning · IdiomsProbing the principles of things to attain true knowledge; the first step of Confucian self-cultivation.
  19. Sincere Intentions, Rectified HeartGreat Learning · IdiomsMaking one's intentions sincere and one's heart upright; core steps of Confucian self-cultivation.
  20. Striving Ceaselessly for Self-ImprovementBook of Changes · IdiomsLike heaven's tireless motion, the noble person strives to improve himself without ever slackening.
  21. New Every Day, Different Every MonthBook of Rites · IdiomsChanging day by day and month by month; rapid progress.
  22. Think Thrice Before ActingAnalects · IdiomsThink carefully, again and again, before taking action.
  23. The Law of Heaven and EarthZuozhuan · IdiomsA principle as unalterable as heaven and earth; perfectly justified.
  24. Joy, Anger, Sorrow, and DelightBook of Rites · IdiomsJoy, anger, grief, and happiness; the full range of human emotions.
  25. Unable to Live under the Same SkyBook of Rites · IdiomsUnwilling to share the same sky with an enemy; describes the deepest enmity.
  26. Giving Up on OneselfMencius · IdiomsAbandoning oneself to failure or degradation; giving up all effort to improve.
  27. Not Yielding in RighteousnessConfucius · IdiomsTaking on what is right without deferring to anyone, even one's teacher.
  28. Too Much Is as Bad as Too LittleConfucius · IdiomsOverdoing is as bad as underdoing; everything in moderation.
  29. Do Not Impose on Others What You Do Not DesireAnalects · AphorismsDo not do to others what you would not want done to yourself; the Confucian principle of reciprocity.
  30. Keeping Oneself CleanMencius · IdiomsTo keep oneself morally pure and aloof from wrongdoing; also, to avoid involvement for self-protection.

Han

202 BCE – 220 CE8 works
  1. Records of the Grand Historian: Biographies of Guan Zhong and Yan YingSima Qian · Historical NarrativeThose who gave me life are my parents; the one who truly knows me is Master Bao.
  2. Book of Han: Biography of Su WuBan Gu · Historical NarrativeHerding sheep clasping the imperial Han staff, holding it waking and sleeping until its yak-tail tassels wore bare; unyielding for nineteen years until his glorious return.
  3. Letter Admonishing Nephews Yan and DunMa Yuan · Letters & PrefacesI desire you all, upon hearing others' faults, to treat it as hearing your parents' names: ears may listen, but mouths must never utter them. Emulating Bogao imperfectly still yields a prudent gentleman—carving a swan that resembles a duck; emulating Jiliang imperfectly degrades into frivolous insolence—drawing a tiger that ends up looking like a dog.
  4. Bearing Brambles to Beg ForgivenessSima Qian · IdiomsGeneral Lian Po carried thorny brambles on his back to apologize; sincerely admitting fault and asking forgiveness.
  5. A Promise Worth a Thousand GoldSima Qian · IdiomsA single promise is worth a thousand pieces of gold; absolute trustworthiness in keeping one's word.
  6. Honest Advice Grates on the EarSima Qian · IdiomsSincere advice is unpleasant to hear but good for one's conduct; urges accepting criticism.
  7. Mending One's WaysSima Qian · IdiomsCorrecting one's mistakes and making a fresh start.
  8. Forgetting Righteousness at the Sight of GainBan Gu · IdiomsTo abandon principle and loyalty at the sight of personal gain.

Three Kingdoms

220–2803 works
  1. Letter of Admonition to My SonZhuge Liang · Letters & PrefacesWithout living simply, one cannot clarify one's aspirations; without stillness, one cannot reach far horizons.
  2. Treatise on Nurturing LifeJi Kang · Essays & MemorialsThe art of nurturing life is like medical therapy: if well harmonized, the physical frame stays healthy and longevity naturally extends.
  3. Bowing in Devotion Until ExhaustedZhuge Liang · IdiomsServing with reverent care and giving all one's strength; lifelong, wholehearted devotion to duty.

Jin

265–4202 works
  1. In Search of the Supernatural · Dong Yong and the Heavenly WeaverGan Bao · Tales of the StrangeDong Yong sold himself into servitude to bury his father. On the road he met a woman who wished to be his wife; going together to the creditor's house, she wove a hundred bolts of fine silk to redeem Dong Yong. Stepping out the door she told him: 'I am the Heavenly Weaver Maiden. Because of your supreme filial piety, the Celestial Emperor sent me to help you repay your debt.' Speaking thus, she soared into the sky.
  2. Memorial Expressing My FeelingsLi Mi · Essays & MemorialsWithout my grandmother, I could not have survived to this day; without me, my grandmother cannot live out her remaining years.

Northern and Southern

420–5897 works
  1. A New Account of Tales of the World: Guan Ning Severing the MatLiu Yiqing · Tales of the StrangeGuan Ning cut the sitting mat in two and sat apart, saying: 'You are no friend of mine.'
  2. A New Account of Tales of the World: Zhou Chu Eliminating the Three EvilsLiu Yiqing · Tales of the StrangeThe ancients valued understanding truth in the morning even if dying at dusk; how much brighter is your future! One need only worry whether one's noble will is established—why fret over failing to achieve a glorious name!
  3. Book of the Later Han · Biography of Ma Yuan (Excerpt)Fan Ye · Historical NarrativeA man of resolve should grow firmer in hardship and more vigorous in old age.
  4. Drawing a Tiger That Looks Like a DogFan Ye · Satirical ParablesImitating what is beyond your reach leaves you a clumsy caricature.
  5. Raising the Tray to Eyebrow LevelFan Ye · IdiomsMeng Guang raised the food tray to her brows when serving her husband; mutual respect between spouses.
  6. Silent, Imperceptible TransformationYan Zhitui · IdiomsOne's thinking or character is gradually changed by unnoticed influence.
  7. Drawing a Tiger That Looks Like a DogFan Ye · IdiomsTrying to draw a tiger but ending with a dog; overreaching ambition or clumsy imitation.

Tang

618–90710 works
  1. Inscription for My Humble CottageLiu Yuxi · Epitaphs & ElegiesMountains need not be high—if immortals dwell there, they become renowned; waters need not be deep—if dragons reside, they become sacred. Though this is a humble room, my virtuous character makes it fragrant.
  2. Inquiry into the True WayHan Yu · Essays & MemorialsUniversal love is called benevolence; acting with righteousness is called justice. Proceeding from these is called the Way; possessing completeness within oneself without depending on external things is called virtue.
  3. Inquiry into the Source of SlanderHan Yu · Essays & MemorialsThe noble men of antiquity held themselves to heavy and exhaustive standards, while treating others with gentle lenience. The so-called gentlemen of today do the reverse: demanding perfection of others while pardoning themselves cheaply.
  4. Memorial Text for the Twelfth NephewHan Yu · Epitaphs & ElegiesAlas and woe! Alas and woe! When you fell ill I knew not the hour, when you died I knew not the day. Words have an end but sorrow is infinite—do you know this, or know it not?
  5. Bodhi Gatha · Originally Not a Single Thing ExistsHuineng (Sixth Patriarch) · Regulated QuatrainsBodhi originally has no tree, nor does the bright mirror have a stand. From the beginning not a single thing exists—where then could dust ever alight!
  6. Gatha of the Body as Bodhi TreeShenxiu · Regulated QuatrainsThe body is the Bodhi tree; the mind is like a clear mirror on a stand. Constantly and diligently wipe it clean, never allowing dust to collect.
  7. Freedom from Anger Is the PreceptShide · Old-Style SongsFreedom from anger is the ultimate precept; a pure mind is true renunciation. When inner nature merges with the cosmic essence, all dharmas are without difference. Patience, patience! The two words 'Patience and Forbearance' are a priceless jewel!
  8. Song of the Parting SonMeng Jiao · Yuefu BalladsWho could say that the heart of an inch-long blade of grass could ever repay the boundless sunshine of three springs?
  9. Rising to Practice Swordplay at CockcrowBook of Jin · IdiomsZu Ti rose at midnight cockcrow to practice swordsmanship; ambitious people seizing every moment to strive.
  10. Treat All AlikeHan Yu · IdiomsTo treat everyone equally without favoritism.

Song

960–12797 works
  1. On the Love of the LotusZhou Dunyi · Essays & MemorialsI uniquely love the lotus for emerging from murky mud yet remaining unstained, bathed in clear ripples yet free from coquettish vanity; hollow within and straight without, neither clinging to vines nor branching astray; its fragrance growing purer the farther it spreads, standing erect in pristine purity, to be admired from afar and not treated with vulgar familiarity.
  2. Record of Master Yan's ShrineFan Zhongyan · Epitaphs & ElegiesCloud-wrapped mountains boundless and azure, surging river waters vast and deep; the noble spirit of Master Yan endures lofty as the mountains and everlasting as the waters!
  3. Striving for Ever Greater PerfectionZhu Xi · IdiomsNever satisfied with good; always striving to make it better.
  4. Upright and OpenZhu Xi · IdiomsUpright, honest and selfless in word and deed; acting openly without hidden schemes.
  5. Deceiving Oneself and OthersZhu Xi · IdiomsFooling oneself as well as others with what one knows to be untrue.
  6. Open and AboveboardZhu Xi · IdiomsFrank, open-hearted and upright, with nothing to hide.
  7. Feet Firmly on the GroundShao Bowen · IdiomsKeeping one's feet on solid ground; working in a practical, earnest way.

Yuan

1271–13681 works
  1. Yu Li Zi: The Nine DifficultiesLiu Bowen · Pre-Qin MastersThe reason why rivers and seas can be kings of a hundred valleys is that they place themselves below them. Human strife arises from pride in conquest; contentious pride springs from self-righteousness. Self-righteousness blinds one to the virtues of others; contentious pride blinds one to one's own flaws.

Ming

1368–16445 works
  1. Record of the Xiangji StudioGui Youguang · Informal EssaysIn the courtyard stands a loquat tree, planted by my late wife's hand in the year of her death; today it has grown tall and graceful, spreading like a lush canopy.
  2. Biographical Sketch of My Late MotherGui Youguang · Epitaphs & ElegiesMy late mother Lady Zhou was born on the eleventh day of the second month in the first year of Hongzhi... She was frugal and benevolent, disciplined in running the household, caring for all children alike.
  3. Song to Awaken the World · Red Dust and White WavesHanshan Deqing · Old-Style SongsRed dust and white waves both stretch boundless; patience and gentleness are the miraculous remedy. Adapt everywhere to unfolding conditions as years advance, spending one's lifetime content in duty. Never blind your own mind's field; never broadcast others' shortcomings. A century of riches cannot be guarded forever; wandering the six realms brings easy peril.
  4. Unity of Knowledge and ActionWang Yangming · IdiomsWang Yangming's teaching that knowing and doing are inseparable; true knowledge shows itself in action.
  5. Neither Servile nor ArrogantZhu Zhiyu · IdiomsNeither humble nor haughty; poised and appropriately dignified in manner.

Qing

1636–19125 works
  1. Epitaph for My SisterYuan Mei · Epitaphs & ElegiesAlas! Frustrated and unfulfilled in life, obscure in the dark realms of death; Heaven is high and Earth is deep, spiritual resonance is hard to fathom. Do you perceive my grief, or do you perceive it not?
  2. Strange Tales · Xi Fangping's Quest for JusticePu Songling · Qing Tales of WonderXi Fangping endured the fiery bed and being sawn in half, his body split in two, yet remained unbroken through searing agony. When the underworld judge sneered: 'Dare you file suit again?' he gasped: 'Until great injustice is avenged, my beating heart dies not, and I shall sue to the end!' Ultimately the Sovereign of Heaven punished the corrupt officials and vindicated justice.
  3. Fourth Letter Sent from the Fan County Magistracy to Brother MoZheng Xie (Zheng Banqiao) · Letters & PrefacesReading ten thousand scrolls, writing excels the finest minds. Reading is for probing truth, not chasing wealth and glory. The foremost people between heaven and earth are hardworking farmers; among scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, scholars rank first—yet if scholars lack virtue, they cannot match honest farmers living by their own honest labor!
  4. Letter to Younger Brothers on Reading and AspirationZeng Guofan · Letters & PrefacesWhen scholars study, first they must have Aspiration (Zhi); second, Discernment (Shi); third, Perseverance (Heng). With aspiration, one refuses base mediocrity; with discernment, one recognizes learning is boundless and never grows complacent; with perseverance, there is nothing that cannot be achieved. None of these three can be lacking.
  5. Maxims for Managing the HomeZhu Bolu · NotebooksOver a bowl of congee or rice, reflect upon the arduous labor that produced it; holding half a strand of silk, keep in mind the difficulty of material resources.