The Western Inscription

Heaven is my father and Earth is my mother, and even such a small creature as I finds an intimate place in their midst.

Therefore that which fills the universe I regard as my body and that which directs the universe I consider as my nature.

All people are my brothers and sisters, and all things are my companions.

The great ruler is the eldest son of my parents, and the great ministers are his stewards. Respect the aged-this is the way to treat them as elders should be treated. Show deep love toward the orphaned and the weak -- this is the way to treat them as the young should be treated. The sage identifies his character with that of Heaven and Earth, and the worthy is the most outstanding man. Even those who are tired, infirm, crippled, or sick; those who have no brothers or children, wives or husbands, are all my brothers who are in distress and have no one to turn to.

When the time comes, to keep himself from harm -- this is the care of a son. To rejoice in Heaven and to have no anxiety -- this is filial piety at its purest.

He who disobeys the Principle of Nature violates virtue. He who destroys humanity is a robber. He who promotes evil lacks moral capacity. But he who puts his moral nature into practice and brings his physical existence into complete fulfillment can match Heaven and Earth.

One who knows the principles of transformation will skillfully carry forward the undertakings of Heaven and Earth, and one who penetrates spirit to the highest degree will skillfully carry out their will.

Do nothing shameful in the recesses of your own house and thus bring no dishonor to them. Preserve your mind and nourish your nature and thus serve them with untiring effort.

Wealth, honor, blessing, and benefits are meant for the enrichment of my life, while poverty, humble station, and sorrow are meant to help me to fulfillment.

In life I follow and serve Heaven and Earth. In death I will be at peace.

-- Zhang Zai (1020-1077), Song dynasty Neo-Confucianist

Great Master Kong

I have a dirty little secret. Under my cool, modern, cynical exterior is a guy who is strongly drawn at times to Confucianism.

I like the idea of human society being a microcosm for the universe. I like the idea that following ancient rituals can contribute to social harmony, and I like that the point of view makes social harmony a priority. Where the best way to encourage a moral, well-ordered society is to have a compassionate, moral leader. A leader who isn't merely leading by example but directly improving all-under-Heaven by being in tune with the underlying moral principles of the universe. I absolutely love how it provides a spiritual -- but non-religious -- basis for absolute morality. Morality as an impersonal force inherent in the design of the universe, not the dictates of a capricious god. Morality as physical law.

Of course, I don't believe any of it. And practical implementations are far too dogmatic and authoritarian for my wild, independent spirit. But there is a not-inconsiderable part of me that really wishes it was true. What a... comforting world to live in.

(no subject)

It had been a lovely evening. Georgie had made the reservations weeks in advance, completely in secret. The meal was exquisite and the after-dinner conversation hadn't been too strained. He really did still care! Maybe they'd be able to work things out after all. Ariel was just beginning to hope when it happened.

'Oh, look, it's Chirac! Hi there, Jacque!'

The President's hand stiffened in his. 'I told you I wasn't talking to him, dear.'

Georgie accepted his apology, as always, but Ariel knew the moment had been ruined. The ride home was silent. Why did he always have to do things like that?

Deep in the Labyrinth...

I seem to have been bit by the writting bug. Don't ask me where this came from.

( The adventure continues here )