Mencius’ Mother Moved House Three Times

Mencius’ Mother Moved House Three Times

Legend says that the name of Mencius’ mother changed her residence three times on account of her concern for Mencius.

At first they lived near a cemetery, and the young Mencius amused himself with acting out the various scenes he observed at the tombs. “This is no place for my son”—she though and she moved to the Market­place.

But the change was no improvement. The boy took to playing the part of a salesman, boasting about his wares, and bantering with customers.

His mother sought a new house, and found one close by a public school.

There her child’s attention was caught by the scholars, and he endeavored to imitate them. The mother was satisfied. “This,” she said, “is the proper place for my son.”

Cheap Tricks Never Last - The Donkey of Guizhou

The Donkey of Guizhou

Years ago donkeys were not found in Guizhou Province until someone with more riches than sense shipped one to the province. 

One day, a tiger was looking for something to eat, when he saw the strange animal. The huge newcomer frightened him so he hid between the bushes to study the donkey. It seemed harmless enough so the tiger came drew near to the donkey to have a closer look. "Hee Haw­" a loud noise burst out of the donkey, which sent the tiger running away as fast as he could. The humiliation stung him and he resolved to come back to that strange thing.

The next day when the tiger got too close the donkey brought his unique skill to bear on the offender he kicked out with his hind legs. After several bouts, it became very clear that was all the donkey had. The tiger jumped upon the donkey and cut its throat.

Stopping Halfway, Never Comes One's Day

In the state of Wei there lived a man with a very virtuous wife.

One day the man found a piece of gold on his way home, he was very happy and ran home as fast as he can to tell his wife. His wife looked at the gold and calmly told her husband, "As you know, a true man never sips stolen water. How then can you take such a thing home with you which is not yours?" The man was so moved by his wife words so he went back and replaced it where it was.

The next year the man went far away to study under a very prestigious teacher. One day while his wife was weaving the man returned. His wife was worried and asked why he came back so soon. The man explained that he missed her. The wife got angry and told her husband to finish his training. The wife took a pair of scissors and cut down the middle of the cloth that she had woven on the loom.  The man was puzzled. "If something is stopped half way it is just like this cut cloth. The cloth is only useful if finished! Now it is worthless, just like your studies" explained the wife.

The man was greatly moved by his wife's words that we went and finished his studies and did not return to his wife until he had completed many great accomplishments.