Ways to Find Happiness: Wisdom from Confucius

Let's explore how to be happy through the wisdom of Confucius. Confucius was a Chinese philosopher, political figure, and teacher. He emphasized the importance of loyalty, morality, and kindness for a meaningful life. Many consider him one of the greatest Eastern philosophers. His teachings are commonly known as the Analects.

His followers call his perspective on life Confucianism. This philosophy revolves around four key virtues that all people should have. These virtues are benevolence (ren), righteousness (yi), fulfillment of rights (li), and moral wisdom (zhi). Later, a fifth virtue called faith (xin) was added to Chinese culture. This fifth virtue is linked to the five elements: earth, water, fire, wood, and metal. This connection illustrates the relationship between physical and moral aspects.

According to Confucius, happiness is not just about getting everything one desires. It's also about the satisfaction that comes from fulfilling those desires. Additionally, happiness involves knowing that the methods used to achieve those desires are moral. For over 2500 years, Confucius has inspired people worldwide in their pursuit of happiness and meaning. In this video, we present six ways to find happiness based on his wisdom.

1.Invest in your relationships. Confucius taught the golden rule: “What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.” This principle emphasizes treating others as you want to be treated.

One key Confucian virtue is ren. Ren represents a sense of dignity for human life and humanity towards others. Confucius believed that ren makes life meaningful. It serves as a guide for all human actions and relationships.

For Confucians, the family is the primary place to express ren. This practice starts at home. You should cultivate compassion and kindness for yourself first. Then extend this to your family, friends, community, nation, and ultimately, all of humanity.

If everyone followed this golden rule, the world would improve. Applying it creates harmony and leads to happiness. To embody Confucian principles, treat others with sincerity, morality, and compassion.

Begin by investing in your close relationships. Be fair, sincere, and compassionate, not for personal gain, but to cultivate harmony and show you care. If you struggle to express your feelings, start small. Smile more, greet loved ones warmly, ask about their well-being, and listen attentively.

Be honest and fair in your communication. Consistently showing these behaviors will build your reputation as a person others want to be around. When you respect others, they are likely to reciprocate. This mutual respect fosters a happier and more fulfilling life.

Therefore, investing in your relationships is a crucial step toward achieving happiness.

2.Confucius reminds us to consider the consequences of our anger. We all experience moments of intense emotion. Sometimes, we feel like lashing out or saying hurtful things we will regret later. In the West, we tend to justify anger if it seems appropriate for the situation. However, Confucius warns that being angry at someone means giving them power over us. There is no acceptable level of anger. It is crucial to think ahead when anger arises.

Self-control can be challenging, but the reward is worth it. One effective way to practice self-control is to look at the future. Consider not just immediate reactions, but also the consequences that may follow. For example, if you punch someone, you might face retaliation or end up in a fight. This could damage a friendship and lead to a loss of respect from others.

We should avoid seeking instant gratification if it risks more significant losses later. Before reacting at work, take a deep breath. Ask yourself if it's worth it to criticize a colleague or boss openly. It might feel good at the moment, but how will it impact your relationship? How might it affect your job in the long run?

Being aware of these long-term consequences can help you manage your anger better. You can choose to express your thoughts more gently, considering others' feelings. Remember, anger does not lead to happiness. To seek true happiness, think of the consequences before you act.

3.Life can be simple. It brings freedom from unnecessary issues. Focus on what matters most to you. Let go of everything else. Confucius taught us to see life in its simplest form. Our perceptions shape our experiences. An optimistic person sees life as a gift with many opportunities. In contrast, a pessimist sees only problems and feels stuck. Overthinking can complicate life further. This can lead to mental and physical distress.

In today's world, simplicity is rare. Our minds tend to overthink. We create complicated stories in our heads. For example, we worry about what others think of our appearance. This can lead to unhappiness. The solution is simple: wear what makes you comfortable and happy.

We, as humans, make life complicated. We must change this habit. Start by asking yourself a few questions: What are the three most important things in my life? What can I do right now to focus on them? Am I keeping things simple?

By following your answers, you'll focus on what truly matters. Concentrating on the essentials will lead to a simpler and happier life.

4.Take your time. Confucius said, “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” This teaches us that success is a gradual process. Every step forward matters, even if it is small.

Many people fail because of high expectations. Society pressures us to achieve milestones by certain ages. We set unrealistic goals and impose time limits without putting in the necessary effort.

We often focus too much on rewards and results. As a result, we overlook the importance of gaining knowledge or mastering skills. When we encounter obstacles, we assume we have failed and may give up.

Confucius suggests that giving up or changing our goals isn’t wise. Instead, we should adjust our plans and actions if our initial approach doesn't work.

There is no specific age to settle down. Your timeline may differ from what you expected, but with consistent effort, you will reach your goals.

You are unique with your own gifts. No one will invest in your potential more than you will. By giving up on your goals, you give up on yourself and your happiness. This can create a pattern of quitting when things get tough.

Staying motivated and consistent is crucial for achieving happiness. If you encounter a mountain, climb it slowly and steadily. If you face a river, either build a bridge or swim across.

In short, when hurdles arise, find a way to overcome them. Keep moving toward your goal. Success is not defined by how often you fail, but by how many times you bounce back after failing.

5.Learning is essential for a healthy brain. According to Confucius, wisdom can be gained in three ways: reflection, imitation, and experience. The first method, reflection, is the noblest. It involves understanding your own thinking processes and evaluating your learning.

The second method is imitation. This is the easiest way to learn. Children and teenagers often learn by imitating adults. Trainees in companies also use this method to acquire new skills. Even though it is simple, imitation is as important as the other methods.

The third method is experience. Confucius called this the bitterest method. Real understanding comes from personal experience. What you think is bad might actually be good, and vice versa. It is easy to judge negatively without knowing the full picture.

For instance, if you hear negative things about someone, meet them to form your own opinion. Experience can lead to unpleasant situations, which is why Confucius labeled it "the bitterest." However, it is the most reliable way to obtain wisdom.

Relying solely on reflection or imitation can lead to flawed judgments. Thus, it is best to use all three methods based on the situation. Keeping our brain healthy through learning can lead to greater wisdom and a happier, longer life.

6.In our final quote from Confucius, we learn the value of meditation. He said, “The more man meditates among good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.” Cultivating good thoughts is very important to him. Practicing good thoughts may not come easily, but it can become a ritual over time. By keeping good thoughts in mind, we can learn to be kind and mindful. Confucius believed we should let our behavior guide our feelings.

Often, in this fast-paced world, our minds can become chaotic. Our emotions can feel overwhelming. It is crucial to learn how to control our behavior and cultivate positive thoughts. Meditation can help with this. It is essential for creating inner peace and avoiding negativity.

We must remember that life's difficulties are temporary. Meditation enables us to focus and stay calm. This helps us stay on our intended path. It empowers us to develop positivity and overcome life's obstacles.

When we adopt an optimistic perspective, we become enthusiastic and radiate positive energy. There are many types of meditation. To start, try focusing on your breathing in a quiet room. Aim for 5 to 10 minutes each day without interruptions.

During meditation, you can overcome negativity. You will learn to see the world with hope and happiness. This perspective allows you to view others positively, creating a healthy atmosphere. You will meet new people, build relationships, and help one another. Ultimately, this leads to peace of mind and a heart full of happiness.