Don't become complacent; keep striving for
progress!(志不可滿)
Chinese Confucianism has a classic book
called the 'Book of Rites'.
It records the rules and regulations of the
ancient Zhou dynasty in China in detail. It records the etiquette and norms
that people of every social class should abide by.
The Zhou dynasty was the last feudal
dynasty in Chinese history and the longest-lasting. It began in 1046 BC and
ended in 256 BC.
There is a chapter in the Book of Rites
that sets out personal conduct norms applicable to both nobles and commoners.
These norms have influenced Chinese society
for over 3,000 years.
One such record is as follows:
A person of noble character and moral
integrity, or an exceptional leader, should always project an image of respect
and seriousness. When you see this person, you sense that they are a thinker.
Such individuals can maintain a calm state
of mind and speak in an organised and clear manner with a steady rhythm and
tone. They make the people around them feel comfortable and stress-free.
Such people are recognised and admired by
their family, friends, and everyone who knows them.
We should strive to become better people;
we should strive to become people of noble character and moral cultivation, or
outstanding leaders.
We should always bear in mind the following
four points.
Firstly, we cannot let arrogance grow.
We must not indulge our desires at will.
We must not become complacent and stop
striving for progress.
We should enjoy life, but with moderation.
This idiom means not stopping our efforts
to make progress because of complacency.
This idiom is used to describe a person who
maintains a humble and enterprising attitude when pursuing their goals. They
will not become proud or complacent because of a minor achievement.
Dear friends, what thoughts or inspiration
do you have after listening to this story?
Do you reflect on your thoughts and actions
every day? Can you always maintain inner peace and stability?
I hope this story brings you new insights.
志不可滿(Don't become complacent; keep
striving for progress!)
中國的儒家有一本經典的書籍，這本書的名字是(禮記)。
這本書中詳細地記載了中國古代的周王朝的典章制度，在這本書中紀錄了生活在這個社會的每個階層的人應該遵守的禮儀與規範。
周王朝是中國歷史上最後一個封建世襲的王朝，周王朝也是中國歷史上延續時間最久的王朝。周王朝開始於西元前1046年、結束於西元前256年。
禮記這本書中有一章，這一中記載了一些個人的生活規範，這些生活規範適用於貴族也適用於平民。
這些生活規範已經影響了中國人超過3000年。
其中有一段記載如下。
一個真正具備高尚品德與道德修養的人或是一個卓越的領導者、應該要隨時保持一種恭敬與嚴肅的形象，如果你看到這個人時，你會覺得他給你就像是一個思考者。
這種人的心境能夠持續保持平靜的狀態，所以他們說話會很有條理而且很清楚，說話保持穩定的節奏與清晰的語調，他們會讓周圍的人感覺很舒服沒有壓力。
這種人可以得到家人與周圍的朋友還有所有認識他的人的認同與敬佩。
我們要追求自己成為一個更好的人，我們應該追求成為一個真正具備高尚品德與道德修養的人或是一個卓越的領導者。
我們應該要隨時提醒自己下列四點。
我們不可以讓傲慢的心滋長。
我們不可以隨意放縱自己的慾望。
我們不可以因為自滿而不求上進。
我們可以享樂但要有所節制。
這句成語直接翻譯的意思是不可因自滿而不求上進。
這句成語被用來形容一個人在追求目標的過程中隨時保持謙虛和進取的態度，個人不會因為避免一點點成就就驕傲自滿。
親愛的朋友，你聽完這個故事有怎樣的啟發或有怎樣的想法呢。
你會每天反省自己的行動與思考嗎?你可以隨時保持內心的平靜與穩定嗎?
我期待這故事能讓你產生一些新的收穫。
出處為禮記-曲禮上