Three Ancient Principles for a Virtuous Life: Still Relevant for Our Children’s Success Today
First: Keep Calm in the Face of Adversity and Failure
It’s important not to spoil children by giving into their every demand, no matter how reasonable. Parents should assess their financial situation before deciding whether they can fulfill their child’s requests.
If not, patiently explain the reasons to your child so they can understand and avoid feeling upset or having extreme thoughts.
Teach your children that the world contains both good and evil, success and failure. As the sages say, “Retreat for a broader sky and a wider ocean.” Nothing is always smooth sailing, so it’s crucial to resolve conflicts wisely and rationally when faced with challenges.
![](https://media.phunutoday.vn/files/content/2024/09/02/3-nguyen-tac-thanh-nhan-thanh-danh-2046.jpg)
These three ancient principles for a virtuous life remain effective even today, guiding our children towards success and a bright future. (Illustrative image)
Second: Have an Idealistic and Forgiving Heart
A person should have ideals and learn to be forgiving. Ideals revolve around becoming a contributing member of society, someone with a sense of responsibility. During youth, focus on studying hard, acquiring life skills, and developing moral character.
When it comes to friends, family, and colleagues, emphasize their strengths and be tolerant of their weaknesses and shortcomings. Within the family, show respect to the elderly, love towards children, and offer mutual support.
By focusing on others’ strengths and forgiving their shortcomings, one can live a joyful, forgiving, and happy life.
Third: Change Your Mindset, Change Your Life
There was once an elderly woman with two married daughters. One sold umbrellas, and the other sold cloth shoes. The mother worried constantly—on rainy days, she fretted about her second daughter’s unsold shoes, and on sunny days, she worried about the first daughter’s unsold umbrellas.
One day, a scholar passed by and asked about her worries. After hearing her concerns, he said, “Change your perspective. On rainy days, your first daughter’s umbrella sales will thrive, and on sunny days, your second daughter will sell more shoes. This way, you’ll be happy every day.”
Both adults and children should not be picky eaters or drinkers. The mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas, along with all plants, creatures, and animals, are precious gifts from the divine. We should be grateful, love, and protect these gifts. It’s essential to organize our eating and living spaces reasonably to maintain good health.