🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Confucius, founder of the Confucian school in China, a great thinker and educator, lived a diligent life marked by self-improvement, outstanding scholarly achievements, and moral excellence. He reached the age of 73, considered exceptionally long-lived for his time. Examining Confucius’ words and actions, his longevity can be summarized in the following points:
First, Self-Strengthening Leads to Strength
Contrary to Daoism’s advocacy of “quietude and non-action,” Confucius promoted “self-strengthening and action.” Known for his famous saying: “Heaven moves vigorously; thus, the noble person should strive ceaselessly.” This means heaven operates without pause, so humans should emulate it by never giving up. Confucius strongly disapproved of lazy students, calling them “rotten wood incapable of carving.” Laziness leads to physical idleness, mental lethargy, scattered thoughts, and low vitality, making it difficult to live a full lifespan.
As the old saying goes: “A flowing stream does not stagnate; a door hinge does not rot.” Stillness implies stagnation, and stagnation leads to decay. Western philosophers believe: “Life lies in movement,” encompassing both physical and mental activity. Confucius believed that throughout life, one should set lofty goals, pursue ambitions, work tirelessly, and constantly advance. Only with strong willpower can one achieve physical strength, and only with robust health can one succeed in endeavors.
Confucius lived a life of relentless effort and progress: during youth, he studied diligently and read widely, excelling academically; in middle age, he traveled across states promoting his ideals; in later years, he devoted himself to education and compiling classics. Throughout his journey, he maintained an indomitable spirit of perseverance. His longevity stemmed precisely from closely integrating “nurturing the body” with “achieving purpose.” Mental strength influenced physical health, and robust health enabled him to accomplish extraordinary feats. Because Confucius possessed the spirit of “genuine accumulation and sustained effort” (as described by Xunzi), coupled with positive ambition and sound health, he composed a magnificent life symphony.
Second, Great Virtue Ensures Longevity
Confucius proclaimed: “The benevolent are free from worry,” “The benevolent live long,” and “Great virtue ensures longevity.” He believed that virtuous individuals focus on cultivating morality, perfecting their character, maintaining a clear conscience, treating others with kindness, and thus remaining mentally bright and resilient against illness, benefiting health and longevity. Conversely, petty people, driven by selfish motives, deceit, and greed, exhaust their minds and spirits, inevitably harming their health and preventing long life. Thus Confucius said: “The noble person is broad-minded and calm; the petty person is often anxious and troubled.” Meaning: the noble heart is open and peaceful, filled with righteous energy; the petty person is perpetually anxious, fearful, and unable to achieve mental balance or peace.
Throughout his life, Confucius placed great emphasis on cultivating virtue and integrity. He advocated the principle of “loyalty and forgiveness,” “ruling with virtue,” and serving the people. He deeply despised corrupt officials and warned against “three harmful indulgences”: pride and extravagance, excessive entertainment, and indulgence in wine and women. While serving as Grand Minister of Punishment in Lu, he remained incorruptible and upright, earning widespread admiration. At the time, Duke Ding of Lu enjoyed erotic songs and dances. To weaken Lu, Qi sent him eighty beautiful female performers. The duke became obsessed with sensual pleasures, neglecting governance. Despite repeated advice, Confucius could not persuade him. Frustrated, he resigned and began his wandering journey across various states.
During his travels, Confucius met Duke Jing of Qi, who admired his knowledge and character and offered him the land of Lingqiu as a retirement gift. Confucius politely declined, stating that one should not accept rewards without merit, nor unjust wealth. He declared: “Wealth and honor gained unrighteously are to me like passing clouds.”
Confucius’ famous “Three Warnings for the Noble” apply not only to moral cultivation but also to health preservation. The three warnings are: “When young, blood and qi are unstable—caution against lust; when mature, blood and qi are strong—caution against quarrels; when old, blood and qi decline—caution against greed.” Meaning: the noble person must be vigilant in three areas: youth—avoid excessive desire for women; maturity—avoid aggression and conflict; old age—avoid insatiable greed. Confucius accurately identified the weaknesses inherent in human nature at different life stages, highlighting how these flaws damage both character and health, urging vigilance and restraint for self-improvement.
Confucius earnestly taught his disciples: “The noble person helps others achieve good, not evil.” Causing harm to others brings retribution. He gave the word “forgiveness” and the maxim “Do not impose on others what you yourself do not wish” to his student Zigan, who was highly talented, successful in business and diplomacy, and prone to being unforgiving and insensitive. He urged him to practice benevolence, treat others kindly, and cautioned: “Wealth and honor are desirable, but if obtained unrighteously, I would not accept them.” This advice applied not only to Zigan but also carried universal significance, emphasizing the importance of moral integrity. Confucius believed that human suffering stems from excessive desires, hence his view: “Without desire, one becomes strong.” A person without desire can act justly, remain fearless, maintain a clear conscience, feel relaxed and harmonious, experience spiritual joy and health, and enjoy true life.
Third, Strengthening Body and Mind
Despite his busy schedule, Confucius paid close attention to physical fitness. In teaching, he advocated that students master the “Six Arts” and attain “Three Virtues.” The “Six Arts” include: “Ritual (etiquette), Music, Archery, Charioteering, Calligraphy, and Mathematics.” The “Three Virtues” are: “Wisdom (knowledge), Benevolence (compassion), Courage (bravery).” Clearly, his educational philosophy already included comprehensive development in moral, intellectual, physical, and aesthetic education. Confucius often rode horses, practiced archery, trained in martial arts, swam, and went on outdoor excursions with his disciples. Today, on a stone tablet at the Heavenly Gate of Mount Tai, one can still see the inscription “Where Confucius Climbed,” indicating his deep appreciation for physical exercise. Ancient texts describe Confucius as “advancing swiftly, wings-like in motion,” meaning he walked briskly, as if flying. Thus, his tall, robust physique was inseparable from his active promotion and participation in physical activities.