Chinese Proverbs During the Time of Ancient China

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Recommended: Chapter 4 ancient chinese civilization

Proverbs are common sayings that are used to illustrate a point to give advice to people on how to live. Chinese proverbs are the common sayings that are used during the time of ancient China. They have existed for thousands of years. According to Chinese Proverb Stories, a website that describes the different kinds of proverbs, "Historical Chinese proverbs are used to illustrate a point, describe a legendary figure, or describe a historical event" (chineseproverbstories.com). Many of these proverbs derived from ancient literature. These proverbs are usually associated with myths or historical facts to educate about morality. Many of these Chinese proverbs came from philosophers and poets such as Lao-Tzu, Confucius, Mozi, and many others. Chinese proverbs are expressions used to educate people about morality on how to lead lives.

千里之行， 始于足下, Qiānlǐ zhī xíng, shǐ yú zúxià, is a proverb developed by 半途而废, Bàntú'érfèi, a Chinese philosopher and poet. He is believed to have found Taoism, a philosophy that advocates about the simplicity and calmness of living life. Its literal translation in English, "The journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one's feet," was coined by Dr. Hilmar Klaus, a Daoist writer and psychologist. According to Thomas Cleary, author of Further Teachings of Lao-tzu, this proverb may have derived from around the time of c. 604-c. 531 B.C. in the Tao Te Ching, a Chinese classic text. That was the time period when Lao-tzu lived his life and did most of his work. The moral meaning of this proverb is that we must take the initiative to begin the first step in order to achieve or thrive in anything. We all have the opportunity to thrive and excel; however, to actually succeed is based on your self-motivation t...

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...rb Stories." Chinese Proverb Stories. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2014.

Historical Chinese proverbs are used to illustrate a point, describe a legendary figure, or describe a historical event. Chinese proverbs are often associated with moral lessons; they are used to teach literature and morality.

Cleary, Thomas. Further Teachings of Lao-tzu. Boston: Shambala Publications, 1991. Print.

Lao-Tzu is an ancient Chinese philosopher and poet. His teachings holds a non-aggressive and calm approach to life. Many of his teachings show positive motivation towards life.

Scarborough, W., and C. Wilfrid Allan. A Collection of Chinese Proverbs. New York: Paragon Book Reprint, 1964. Print.

Chinese proverbs are sayings that expresses the basic truth of common sense. The author of many of these proverbs include: Lao-Tzu, Confucius, Mozi, and many other philosophers.

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