Everyday Canvas

Methods

September 29 is Confucius Day one his sayings is "By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest." - Confucius
Prompt: Write a story, poem, or something about either this saying or Confucius. Have fun.

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In ancient days when foresight did gleam,
Confucius shared an astute, ageless dream
Three methods, he used, to seek the wise,
Through reflection, imitation, and worldly ties.

First, reflection, like a calm, still pond,
Where wisdom's seeds find rich soil to bond
In solitude, we ponder, deep and wide,
And our past lessons, in discretion, hide.

With contemplation, we unveil the truth,
Discerning right from wrong in intellect's booth
In stillness, life and virtue intertwine,
And through reflection, logic in stars align.

Yet, not only in isolation do we grow,
For imitation, too, has seeds to sow,
We learn from others, we echo the best,
In kindly acts, we find us blessed.

As saplings mimic giants of the wood,
We act like the wise, and that is good
We mirror their acts, thoughts, and grace,
We find in others' paths a well-worn place.

Yet, wisdom's depth also forms in life,
In battles, trials, joys, and strife
We experience, and our selves grow strong,
In learning's caldron, we all belong.

This school of life, with lessons harsh or kind,
Bestows upon us humility and mind
In sorrows, we learn empathy's decree
In joys, we taste fruit from virtue's tree.

So, here we walk on ancient roads,
Where wisdom's treasure as bounty glows
In reflection, imitation, life's embrace,
We find our way to that merciful grace.


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