One of my favorite translations of the Tao Te Ching is the 1974 publication by Gia-Fu Feng & Jane English
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Google's plan to disrupt the college degree (6-month certificates)
Zengetsu, a Chinese master of the T’ang dynasty, wrote the following advice for his pupils:
Living in the world yet not forming attachments to the dust of the world is the way of a true Zen student.
When witnessing the good action of another encourage yourself to follow his example. Hearing of the mistaken action of another, advise yourself not to emulate it.
Even though alone in a dark room, be as if you were facing a noble guest. Express your feelings, but become no more expressive than your true nature.
Poverty is your treasure. Never exchange it for an easy life.
A person may appear a fool and yet not be one. He may only be guarding his wisdom carefully.
Virtues are the fruit of self-discipline and do not drop from heaven of themselves as does rain or snow.
Modesty is the foundation of all virtues. Let your neighbors discover you before you make yourself known to them.
A noble heart never forces itself forward. Its words are as rare gems, seldom displayed and of great value.
To a sincere student, every day is a fortunate day. Time passes but he never lags behind. Neither glory nor shame can move him.
Censure yourself, never another. Do not discuss right and wrong.
Some things, though right, were considered wrong for generations. Since the value of righteousness may only be recognized after centuries, there is no need to crave immediate appreciation.
Live with cause and leave results to the great law of the universe. Pass each day in peaceful contemplation.
Source: 101 Zen Stories
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"The Star Thrower" is part of a 16-page essay of the same name by Loren Eiseley, published in 1969 in The Unexpected Universe.
“Once, on ancient Earth, there was a human boy walking along a beach. There had just been a storm, and starfish had been scattered along the sands. The boy knew the fish would die, so he began to fling the fish to the sea. But every time he threw a starfish, another would wash ashore. "An old Earth man happened along and saw what the child was doing. He called out, 'Boy, what are you doing?' " 'Saving the starfish!' replied the boy. " 'But your attempts are useless, child! Every time you save one, another one returns, often the same one! You can't save them all, so why bother trying? Why does it matter, anyway?' called the old man. "The boy thought about this for a while, a starfish in his hand; he answered, "Well, it matters to this one." And then he flung the starfish into the welcoming sea.”
― Loren Eiseley, The Star Thrower
A good and needful thing for a meditation today - and every day.
Qualities and Characteristics I would most like to see in the next President of the United States:
truth, intelligence, diligence, integrity, self-sacrifice, honor, commitment, duty, rectitude, valor, grit, determination, righteousness, idealism, altruism, honesty, dedication, fealty, loyalty, fortitude, resolution, prudence, temperance, gallantry, sagacity, devotion, service, benevolence, excellence, empathy, bravery, courage, justice, mercy, charity, piety, courtesy, thoughtfulness, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, hope, purity, nobility, ...and most of all, love.
For I have found these to be wholly lacking in the character of the charlatan currently occupying The White House.
In short, a person that would be welcomed at King Arthur's Round Table.
