KEEP THE OLD WARM

Someone said to Master Kong: ‘Why do you not take part in government?’ The Master said: ‘The Book of Documents mentions filial piety, doesn’t it? “Only be dutiful towards your parents and friendly towards your brothers, and you will be contributing to the existence of government.” These virtues surely constitute taking part in government, so why should only that particular activity be regarded as taking part in government?’ – 孔夫子 Master Kong (Confucius) The Analects 2:21

Politics is a nasty word in the United States today. People think of bickering parties, worthless candidates, and discussions better avoided.

Politics is something far more noble. It is selfless action to improve the future, for those that will come tomorrow, to bring hope to others around you with the belief that we can make things work and build momentum.

Confucius states being in government is not the only means of partaking in government or politics. Instead, it is the daily actions that contribute to government and a healthy polity – strengthening the family through honor and respect, being friendly to your neighbors and fellow citizens, doing daily actions with courage and discipline over years and years, improving yourself and those around you – that constitutes partaking in government.

If you wish to see a better government, country, citizenship…..then your loving, just, courageous, respectable actions repeated overtime will do just that.

Let us improve ourselves and those around us. One by one, stone by stone, and soon we will begin to move mountains.