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human, it is elaborate and full. Under their prime can be productive, and
such circumstances, there would those in their youth can grow; the
naturally be a genuine connection of widower and widow, the orphan, the
care and love between people. This is elders without family, the disabled and
the foundation for peace-ism. This is the ill, will all be cared for.” these
why confucius’ study of humane love is, simple sentences are telling us that
“comfort the aged, trust friends, nurture when you seek your roots, life will
the young.” continue to flow from its source. Your
thoughts come from the past, and your
This already implies the mindset of
consideration is how to continue telling
having universal principles for all under
this never-ending story. I often mention
heaven. I remember when we were very
to my friends that Eastern civilization is
young we recited “The Great Together”.
not centered on humanity. It is not
Everyone is familiar with this. “When the
centered on human rationality. Our
Great Way is practiced, it is public to all
thought tradition centers around the
under heaven; those with virtue and
three essences of heaven, earth and
those with ability are chosen and used;
humanity. It connects heaven and earth.
people value trustworthiness and
It is an age-old thought process. Zhang
cultivate harmony with each other; thus
Zai's "Western Inscription:” says,
people do not treat only their parents
“Heaven is my father and Earth is my
like parents, nor do people treat only
mother, and even such a small creature
their children as children; the aged thus
as I find an intimate place in their midst.
have appropriate final years, those in
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