Emperor Taizong of Tang was the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China, ruling from 626 to 649 AD. He is typically considered one of the greatest, if not the greatest, emperors in Chinese history. Throughout the rest of Chinese history, Emperor Taizong's reign was regarded as the exemplary model against which all other emperors were measured, and his "Reign of Zhenguan" was considered a golden age of Chinese history.
He had an advisor called Wei Zheng. Few men in history would be so frank and honest with their monarch. When Wei Zheng died, Taizong was overwhelmed with grief. The Emperor said to his ministers, "With a bronze mirror, one can see whether he is properly attired; with history as a mirror, one can understand the rise and fall of a nation; with men as a mirror, one can see whether he is right or wrong. Now I've lost my faithful mirror by the death of Wei Zheng".
This was a story most of Chinese learned from childhood. I always find it amazing and inspiring. I strive to take, as well as make, honest and frank comments. As Chinese idiom goes: "good medicine tastes bitter; good advice sounds harsh", both taking and making honest comments require courage.
Eugene has been a very supportive friend, but what I appreciate most is that he shares with me his honest opinions.
On my blog post "defending competitiveness", he pointed out that for a few times I had my low back injured in tennis games due to my "competitiveness", which was unnecessary. He said sometimes I could be stubborn. Hmm... have to say that he has a good point :-)
On another post about my friend Y, he praised my standpoint that one should still have one's own life after marriage/children. But he warned me not to walk to another extremity. Couples should create chances to participate each other's growth and emotions. I think what he said is spot on. Come to think about it, at times I probably overly demand myself to be strong and independent. I could seem so self-contained that I do not need anybody else in my life, which might be misleading. And "create chances to participate" - what a wonderful piece of advice! Total dependence is not desirable in a relationship, nor total independence. We shall work towards a dynamic interdependence, where each party's truth is recognized and all are woven together.
On a separate note. Another friend Nishant, in a recent group discussion, stressed the importance for kids to be trained to do homework. He said even though homework itself might not be necessary for kids to do well in exams, especially for smart kids, it's a important training for kids to stay focused. Smart kids might be able to get by when things are easy. However sooner or later things will become difficult and one would not achieve much if he/she could not stay focused. I was impressed by his viewpoint and confessed, painfully, that it was my personal lesson. I have been struggling with staying focused ever since the beginning of my career after getting by for 20 years in school. Short attention span is like a stubborn disease, worsened today by the easy access of smart phones and internet. I guess I will have to fight a hard battle.
And, there is Jimmy who often points out my non-PC wording to avoid me offending others. There is Yan who re-enforces my tender heart besides a critical mind. There are Jeff and Steve who have such unique insights on many subjects that often stun me and enrich me.
My appreciation is beyond words. Salute!
He had an advisor called Wei Zheng. Few men in history would be so frank and honest with their monarch. When Wei Zheng died, Taizong was overwhelmed with grief. The Emperor said to his ministers, "With a bronze mirror, one can see whether he is properly attired; with history as a mirror, one can understand the rise and fall of a nation; with men as a mirror, one can see whether he is right or wrong. Now I've lost my faithful mirror by the death of Wei Zheng".
This was a story most of Chinese learned from childhood. I always find it amazing and inspiring. I strive to take, as well as make, honest and frank comments. As Chinese idiom goes: "good medicine tastes bitter; good advice sounds harsh", both taking and making honest comments require courage.
Eugene has been a very supportive friend, but what I appreciate most is that he shares with me his honest opinions.
On my blog post "defending competitiveness", he pointed out that for a few times I had my low back injured in tennis games due to my "competitiveness", which was unnecessary. He said sometimes I could be stubborn. Hmm... have to say that he has a good point :-)
On another post about my friend Y, he praised my standpoint that one should still have one's own life after marriage/children. But he warned me not to walk to another extremity. Couples should create chances to participate each other's growth and emotions. I think what he said is spot on. Come to think about it, at times I probably overly demand myself to be strong and independent. I could seem so self-contained that I do not need anybody else in my life, which might be misleading. And "create chances to participate" - what a wonderful piece of advice! Total dependence is not desirable in a relationship, nor total independence. We shall work towards a dynamic interdependence, where each party's truth is recognized and all are woven together.
On a separate note. Another friend Nishant, in a recent group discussion, stressed the importance for kids to be trained to do homework. He said even though homework itself might not be necessary for kids to do well in exams, especially for smart kids, it's a important training for kids to stay focused. Smart kids might be able to get by when things are easy. However sooner or later things will become difficult and one would not achieve much if he/she could not stay focused. I was impressed by his viewpoint and confessed, painfully, that it was my personal lesson. I have been struggling with staying focused ever since the beginning of my career after getting by for 20 years in school. Short attention span is like a stubborn disease, worsened today by the easy access of smart phones and internet. I guess I will have to fight a hard battle.
And, there is Jimmy who often points out my non-PC wording to avoid me offending others. There is Yan who re-enforces my tender heart besides a critical mind. There are Jeff and Steve who have such unique insights on many subjects that often stun me and enrich me.
My appreciation is beyond words. Salute!
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