The Chinese have a culture that is significantly different from Western Civilization and also from India to a very large extent. Their script is completely different from that of western cultures. It is logographic which means that their symbols represent a word or a part of a word. English, Hindi and other languages use a phonologic writing system in which written symbols correspond to sounds. These sounds then are combined to form words, phrases and sentences.
The Chinese character of the word Crisis can be understood in two ways. If you read the character one way it signifies danger. Read in another way the same symbol signifies opportunity.
Crises come to all men and women. They are a part of life and we cannot avoid them. The greatest crises of all is of course death. But there are other crises that are part of life. A failed marriage, bankruptcy or job loss, death of loved persons, illnesses are only a few.
But all crises – if we are to believe the Chinese – are situations where there is danger as well as opportunity. So instead of fearing these situations we can have a positive attitude and seek to grasp the opportunity that has been presented to us.
So, what is the attitude we should maintain at the time of a crisis.
It is this – Think clearly and be responsible.
By treating the crisis that has come to us as an opportunity we can significantly change our lives for the better. We need to be aware and grasp and understand the situation that is facing us with all the intensity that we can muster. Then think clearly and take responsible decisions and see them through.
Shakespeare also states the same principle in different words –
There is a tide in the affairs of men, which taken at the flood leads on to fortune. Missed and the whole of the life is spent in shallows and in miseries.
I came across this memorable phrase – Think clearly and be responsible – from the novel Shogun written by James Clavell. One of the main characters, Yabu, has been betrayed by his nephew who has a grudge against him. This nephew however has great potential and is eminently suited to lead the (Yabu’s) clan and family to prosperity, respect and success. So Yabu – who has been sentenced to death by his liege lord appoints his nephew to head the clan and family after his passing.
I would recommend that you read this novel (Shogun). It tells an engrossing story and captivates you completely (going by my experience). It is about Japan, not China, but they are also a great civilization. In general, I have learned more about life and benefited by reading good novels than by all the self help books I have come across. It is a long novel – more than a 1000 pages – but you will be completely entertained.
There is much more to be learned from Shogun but that is a topic for another post.
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