A Momentary Diversion – The Confucian Way

Today appears yet another tense period in global history. The frustration of the west to find economic traction for the masses and a new future. Whilst the east sees a new unease as capital markets jitter and relations between China and Japan become fraught.

Perhaps from both economic and political viewpoints, just for a moment, it would be beneficial to absorb the teachings of the legendary philosopher Confucius. His demenour an inspiration to mankind, but more so to a frustrated west, and perhaps the original cultural bridge across the East China Sea.

“the man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for a lifetime”.

“the superior man does not set his mind either for or against anything; what is right he will follow”

“in a country well governed poverty is something to be ashamed of, in a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of”.

"a man's true value, monetarily or otherwise, lies not in his pocket, but within his mind".

“Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles”.

These are indeed simplistic truisms, but at a time when real-politik has undermined relationships both across the oceans and across board room tables, it is only simplicity of word and deed that will instigate and reflect true progress.

At such a fractious time, investment-auto-motives hopes all those involved in protracted negotiations seek to utilise the true, often overlooked and under-valued, advantage of simplicity.