Kong Rong Modestly Declines a Pear

Long long ago, Qin Dynasty had a boy; his name was Kong Rong.  He had two elder brothers and a younger sister.  They were friendly to each other.  Their father and mother loved them, but they loved Kong Rong more.
   One day, father wanted to know how gentle Kong Rong was.  Then he decided to give Kong Rong a test.  He told mother to go to the fruit shop and buy some pears.  Then he picked up three bigger pears and a smaller one.  He told Kong Rong to distribute these pears.  Kong Rong thought a short time and gave the bigger pears to his brothers and sister.  His father asked him, "Why did you give the bigger pears to your brothers and sister?"  Kong Rong said, "My brothers are older than me, so they could eat bigger pears.  My sister is younger than me; I must care for her."  When father heard this, he smiled.
   This story teaches us: we ought to modestly decline to everybody.
 
   -Simon, P.R.

A Lesson in Individuality

1985

Hantan was a prefecture in Chao-Kuo (which was located in Hopeh Province of Mainland China), during the WArring States period (403-222 B.C.)  The people of Hantan were renowned for their prowess at walking.  A young boy in Yen-Kuo (also in Hopeh province(, admiring their skills, decided to go to Hantan and study the walking methods of the local people.
   After a long and arduous journey, he finally reached his destination.  He immediately began to scrutinize and imitate the walking postures of the pedestrians.  However, not only was he unsuccessful in his attempt, but he also completely forgot his own original walking style.  Therefore, he had no alternative but to crawl home.
   This fable is drawn from the teachings of the famous Chiense philosopher Chuang-tze.  The story is a metaphor that teaches us not to emulate the actions of others, lest we lose the unique characteristics that make us individuals.

Meng Zi and the Fish

A long, long time ago, there was a famous person in China who we call Meng Zi.  During that time, China still was divided into many countries.
   There was one time that Meng Zi wanted to go to one of those countries, because the king invited Meng Zi to help them to build a canal.
   When Meng Zi was walking, he heard, "Help me!  Help me!"  Then, he found a small fish.  The fish was lying in the road.  Meng Zi said, "How can I help you?"  The small fish asked, "Would you give me a cup of water?  I need some water."  Meng Zi said, "Sure. I'll give you some water.  But I'm on a business now, since the king invited me to build a canal.  The canal will pass through here and connect with the sea.  When I build it up, you'll be able to go back home by way of the canal.  You don't need a cup of water, you will get the whole water of the sea."
   The fish was very angry.  It said, "Thank you for your kindness.  When you construct the canal to here, I'll be a dried fish.  But, if you give me some water now, I'll live longer.  When you come here again, you won't be able to see me any more."
   The story means that you should just help people with what they want now.

   -unknown