2,500 years ago a man in china named lao tzu wrote a book that proclaims?

Question

that there are three treasures to hold and protect daily. they are moderation, compassion, and humility. Many people i have spoken with say that these qualities are ingrained into their conscience. we understand that many people in these times can not tell the difference between their conscience and their ego, but why would these qualities be ingrained in many of us, when ethics and values change through the times?

stephen,
is that suppose to resemble reason and intellect?

ninja,
are you one of those guys who always finds what you are looking for?
it's probably always in the last place you look, no?

Answer 1

I think most of us have these qualities but hold back way too much ,due to convenience !

we wait till something humbles us to step forward with positivity and compassion! not sure why that is!

Answer 2

A good question. Here's my view--and I suspect Lao Tzu (sad, so few Westerners have read him--or any Chinese philosophy) would agree.

The three treasures are qualities of spirit that do not depend in their form on the time or place oe lives.

But the form of values and ethics can vary--and do--depending on one's social environment. The heart of these things, like the three treasures, do not change. For example, to respect one's neighbor's property would be right ethics at any time. But in some societies (a peasant village, for instance) it would not be thought improper to enter the house of a neighbor to await his return. But in a modern city in America, none but the closest of friends could do this without giving offense. The heart of this matter--respect--is unchanged, it is only the surface custom that varies.

Answer 3

Particular ethics and values do change over time.

But most humans have the intrinsic capacity to reason and to feel compassion for others, and there are many similarities between moral systems (humility, no murder, generosity, etc).

The rest is a matter of age, culture, and other attributes.

Answer 4

I believe anyone whom says that his or her compassion and humility (and aptness to be moderate) is "ingrained" in their conscious are very distanced from themselves. Only people who meditate , spend times in solitude, or engage in deep thought in solitude, hear their inner rhythm thus are aware of the INCREDIBLE evil that endures in the human heart and in the life of our society. It is impossible for people who are preoccupied with worldly life all of the time to understand the power of Lao Tzu's writings or even find them applicable or relevent to their daily life . Moreover, when you spend time away from quiet meditation is it very simple to get desensitized in society without realizing it. They are strangers to themselves, thus they can not understand what the Tzu is referring to or talking about. But everyone is growing, and regressing, so I try not to criticize people, because I'm sure there is someone way above my level spirituality too.

Artist:)
Peace and Blessings

Answer 5

Those qualities are the rare few that benefit others as well as ourselves. Most of today's values or ethics are those which guide ones actions to do what is right according to oneself. Current events and public opinion can alter what is considered right. Lao Tzu's aforementioned qualities will guide one's actions to do what is right for the self and society.

Answer 6

They are ingrained in us through our upbringing. Our parents lay down the social rules, and we adhere to them, and pass them down to our children. We do it because those values are right. These children might rebel when they grow into adolescents, but at the end of the day, a proper upbringing will prevail. There are exceptions to the rule, but that is the norm.

Answer 7

Because they don't really change.They have been basic truths about the human race for centuries.Even when environment changes.The things that are going on now have been going on since the beginning...just different people. This earth is a place where our spirits come to learn how to be more spiritual.Most do not understand this..so they waste their time here...but they will learn one day.Peace!!

Answer 8

Lao Tzu rocks !

Answer 9

Nothing is "ingrained" into our conscience. Everything is learned. One merely need observe feral children that have been raised by animals to see this truth.

Answer 10

I agree with those; moderation, compassion and humility. sometimes it's hard to keep your ego in check but it's possible.