Youzi (one of Confucius' most learned disciples) said, "There is hardly anyone who is filial to his parents and respectful to his elder brothers but offends his superiors. There is never anyone who is not inclined to offend his superiors but is inclined to rebel. The gentleman directs his efforts to the foundation of things, because only when the foundation is established can the Way emerge. Filial piety and brotherly love are, perhaps, the foundation of humanity," (Wangdao 53).
November 10, 2008
Hakuna Matata
Before I came to China I watched the Travel Channel’s “China Week” that promoted the Olympics and Chinese tourism. My favorite hosts, Anthony Bourdain and Samantha Brown, went to Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and even Chengdu. Watching reminded me a lot of when I watched travel shows like “Lonely Planet” as a kid. Instead of wishing that someday I would get the chance to go to the places I learned about, I watched the episodes of Chengdu with building excitement that my ticket was already booked.
One of my friend’s mom said to me after she found out that I was coming to China, “It’s really good that you’re following your dreams!” I thought at the time that perhaps she was taking things too far. In my mind I was just studying abroad. But I see now that she was right. My goal as a kid (influenced by shows like “Lonely Planet”) was to travel the world. I think at some point during the last few years I forgot that it was actually a goal and viewed it more as a wish or a hope. Luckily, things have gone in an entirely different direction than what I expected in high school. Hallelujah!
As mentioned before, Samantha Brown visited the ancient capital and that episode was my main reference for this past weekend. Xi’an is the city where China’s first emperor came to power. The surrounding area is home to many archeological discoveries, the biggest being the Terracotta Soldiers. The city itself is enclosed within an ancient wall that runs 13.5 km (roughly 8 miles) around the center. This was the city that—more than any other city in China—I had to visit. I wasn’t disappointed either. My favorite part was definitely biking the perimeter of the ancient wall. I also really loved the weather in that it was dry, cool, and totally reminded me of Arizona’s autumns. Aside from the overabundance of KFC’s and McDonald’s (many more than in Chengdu), I thoroughly enjoyed everything from the Eighth Wonder of the World (Terracotta Army) to the huge fountain show at the Big Goose Pagoda.
The trip reminded me that the future needs goals. I figured this out right after high school when I suddenly realized that all my major goals were either accomplished or not applicable upon graduation. Ever since then I have gradually returned to an astonishingly similar set of goals that I had as a child. Back then I wanted to travel, to write, to go to college, and to have a family. On a very basic level that is all I’ve ever wanted and what I work for every day. These goals, and the knowledge that they all transcend worldly worries, makes it possible for me to stay close to truth.
In this sense, Confucius hit the nail on the head. By thinking about the future my immediate worries are that much closer to being taken care of because I know where I want to be. I can remember feeling lost and useless when I did not know what it was I strived for. Every day was a struggle, but when an end point is in sight, every day is just one step closer. Hakuna Matata.
One of my friend’s mom said to me after she found out that I was coming to China, “It’s really good that you’re following your dreams!” I thought at the time that perhaps she was taking things too far. In my mind I was just studying abroad. But I see now that she was right. My goal as a kid (influenced by shows like “Lonely Planet”) was to travel the world. I think at some point during the last few years I forgot that it was actually a goal and viewed it more as a wish or a hope. Luckily, things have gone in an entirely different direction than what I expected in high school. Hallelujah!
As mentioned before, Samantha Brown visited the ancient capital and that episode was my main reference for this past weekend. Xi’an is the city where China’s first emperor came to power. The surrounding area is home to many archeological discoveries, the biggest being the Terracotta Soldiers. The city itself is enclosed within an ancient wall that runs 13.5 km (roughly 8 miles) around the center. This was the city that—more than any other city in China—I had to visit. I wasn’t disappointed either. My favorite part was definitely biking the perimeter of the ancient wall. I also really loved the weather in that it was dry, cool, and totally reminded me of Arizona’s autumns. Aside from the overabundance of KFC’s and McDonald’s (many more than in Chengdu), I thoroughly enjoyed everything from the Eighth Wonder of the World (Terracotta Army) to the huge fountain show at the Big Goose Pagoda.
The trip reminded me that the future needs goals. I figured this out right after high school when I suddenly realized that all my major goals were either accomplished or not applicable upon graduation. Ever since then I have gradually returned to an astonishingly similar set of goals that I had as a child. Back then I wanted to travel, to write, to go to college, and to have a family. On a very basic level that is all I’ve ever wanted and what I work for every day. These goals, and the knowledge that they all transcend worldly worries, makes it possible for me to stay close to truth.
In this sense, Confucius hit the nail on the head. By thinking about the future my immediate worries are that much closer to being taken care of because I know where I want to be. I can remember feeling lost and useless when I did not know what it was I strived for. Every day was a struggle, but when an end point is in sight, every day is just one step closer. Hakuna Matata.
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