The Ancient Wisdom in Times of Crisis
Are you stressed out?
Of course, we all are. After lockdown for this long, we increasingly see emotional strains among people, anxiety, confusion, frustration, fear, and many more. Recently the music provider Spotify reports that it sees a significant increase among its customers to search music with key words such as “Chill” and “Instrumental”. We all have to manage the stress. As a matter of fact, we can also seek some comfort from the wisdom of our ancestor that is equally chill and instrumental.
Today I am going to share with you some thoughts from Confucius, the Chinese philosopher from 3000 years ago. Confucius lived his whole life amid endless wars and crisis. His vigilance of crisis never faded. He always told his people, “The superior man, when resting in safety, does not forget that danger may come. When in a state of security, he does not forget the possibility of ruin.” This quote reminds us that crisis could come anytime and we should stay cautious even in peaceful times.
When the crisis finally comes, Confucius says, “hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles.” End quote. When we are faithful and sincere, we have no fear. Further, he tells us, “Those who conquers themselves are the mightiest warriors.” It dawns on me that fighting against this coronavirus is all about fighting against my own fear.
People get confused with the government orders like stay at home, social distancing and wearing masks. In fact, our ancestor went through all these chaotic times and came up with a lot of recommendations. Confucius says, “To put the world in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order; we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right.” This quote provides me a clear strategy, that is, stay focused, stay with family. Rumors and confusions are always spreading like the virus in times of crisis, sometimes we need to walk away from them and focus on ourselves. When we can save the family, we can save the world.
Under the lockdown, people sometimes lose patience and break the rules. They argue that it’s their human being rights. But they ignore the fact that it’s not fair for those following the orders. Especially, it’s not fair for the first responders such as doctors and nurses that risk their lives to save others. We see an online sign held by medical workers, it says, “we stay at work for you, you stay at home for us.” 3000 years ago, Confucius was telling the same concept. “Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.” This best explains why we should follow the rules. What to have respect from others? Give it first.
About winning, he points out that we should be as smart as the water. “As the water shapes itself to the vessel that contains it, so a wise man adapts himself to circumstances.”
This week, the local county extended its stay-at-home order through June 19th. Clearly, we are fighting a long term battle again the virus. Confucius guides me through all this with the quote “The journey with 1000 miles begins with one step.” To beat the virus, he points out that “a man without persistence will never make a good physician.”
I work for Amazon that is considered as one of the essential businesses. The fear has driven me stop going to work place since late March. Amazon called us saying that we were so much needed in this pandemic time. I came back to work one week ago. We see many heroes that take all the risks to help people. Confucius highly acknowledged this deed with quote “Consideration for others is the basis of a good life, a good society.”
We will get through the crisis this time and stay strong in the end. But we must learn the lessons and become better afterward. Confucius reminds all of us that “He who learns but does not think, is lost. He who thinks, but does not learn, is in great danger.”
When this is all over, he says, “forget Injuries, never forget kindness.”
