Old Wisdom, New Insights

The saying "you're never too old to learn" emphasizes the importance of continuous learning. Now it's time to put that concept into elegant Chinese words, 问渠那得清如许，为有源头活水来。 Join Niuniu and learn about a poem that compares book reading to a glassy oblong pool.

Zhu Xi was an influential neo-Confucian scholar, writer, and philosopher during China’s Song Dynasty. His contribution to Chinese culture is so significant that he is often referred to as "Zhuzi," meaning Master Zhu. And being a "Zi" is really a big deal in China! This episode explains how come Zhu Xi was a master worthy of the name!

“Saving for a rainy day” doesn't mean you have to adopt a doom-and-gloom, disaster-prepper's mentality. But being alert to danger in times of peace might help you recover more easily from your next bump in the road. Wei Yuan provides a pretty good way to express it in Chinese, 于安思危，于治忧乱. Listen to today's episode for more explanation!

Wei Yuan, a famous thinker of China’s Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1912), is regarded as one of the first to help Chinese people see and learn from the world. Our story begins with this man who embraced and helped disseminate advanced technologies and novel cultures. And of course, more importantly, he was a singularly fun person!

Coming soon — The second season of Old Wisdom New Insights. In this season, I'll continue to discuss classical Chinese sayings that are still relevant today. Each episode explains an ancient saying, word by word, and digs deep so that you'll know exactly what it means and what we can borrow from it. The hope is that you'll get inspired to think a bit more about what we have and will have experienc...

There is great value and strength in diversity. You can’t have a beautiful garden with only one variety of plant, just like you can’t paint a wonderful picture with just one color. Most amazing beings on earth are great because of their inclusion. Niuniu shares a Chinese saying that describes this idea with a metaphor, 河海不择细流，故能就其深. To watch the videos: http://chinaplus.cri.cn/zt/Old-W...

The human race once believed that we are and should be the master of nature and can take whatever we want from the planet. However, it turned out that by doing so we caused so much damage that Mother Earth fought back, and we suffered. What’s the right way to coexist with nature? This Chinese saying might give you the answer, 万物各得其和以生，各得其养以成. To watch the videos: http://chinaplus.cr...

Chinese people say, “better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away”(远亲不如近邻). It illustrates how much we value the relationships we have with people living near us. Everyone wins when neighbors treat one another with kindness, consideration, and respect. There’s another major advantage, but you’ll have to watch the video to find out. To watch the videos: http://chinaplus.cri.cn/zt/Old-Wisd...

“Work hard, play hard” is a familiar motto for many people, but working hard is certainly more challenging than playing hard. If you want to motivate yourself, here’s a Chinese saying that can give you a nudge, 青春虚度无所成，白首衔悲亦何及. To watch the videos: http://chinaplus.cri.cn/zt/Old-Wisdom-New-Insights-S1/index.html FB: https://www.facebook.com/crilearnchinese/ Youtube: https://www.yout...

Have you ever cooperated with an adversary because you faced mutual challenges together? Niuniu has, and they ended up becoming good friends afterward. She’s now sharing what she learned from this experience with an old Chinese saying, 同舟共济，守望相助. To watch the videos: http://chinaplus.cri.cn/zt/Old-Wisdom-New-Insights-S1/index.html FB: https://www.facebook.com/crilearnchinese/ Youtube: htt...

In life, we all need to learn how to find effective solutions to complex problems. The hardest step is identifying the root cause and applies the best solution. Niuniu shares the elegant metaphor “对症下药”, which means to match the medicine to the disease. To watch the videos: http://chinaplus.cri.cn/zt/Old-Wisdom-New-Insights-S1/index.html FB: https://www.facebook.com/crilearnchinese/ Youtube: h...

Imagine a chain composed of heavy metal links. If you wish to move the chain, you won’t “push it,” since the links might hit one another, clinking left and right without moving forward. Each link represents an individual member as part of a team. It requires a leader to show the way and pull the chain, which is why Chinese people say, 人不率则不从，身不先则不信. To watch the videos: http://chinapl...

Chinese people believe in the power of collective effort. We enjoy a good superhero story, but we also believe that even Superman needs a team like the Justice League. Niuniu talks about her favorite saying related to this idea: 众人拾柴火焰高. To watch the videos: http://chinaplus.cri.cn/zt/Old-Wisdom-New-Insights-S1/index.html FB: https://www.facebook.com/crilearnchinese/ Youtube: https://www.yo...

It’s said that “he who wants a rose must respect the thorn,” which tells us that even the best situations have their downsides. There’s a Chinese equivalent, 甘瓜抱苦蒂，美枣生荆棘. Listen to the podcast to find out what it means. To watch the videos: http://chinaplus.cri.cn/zt/Old-Wisdom-New-Insights-S1/index.html FB: https://www.facebook.com/crilearnchinese/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/Lear...

Have you ever met somebody who is completely different to you but is still likeable? If you want to agree to disagree and still get along with them, here is a Chinese saying you can say, 日月不同光，昼夜各有宜！ To watch the videos: http://chinaplus.cri.cn/zt/Old-Wisdom-New-Insights-S1/index.html FB: https://www.facebook.com/crilearnchinese/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/LearnChineseforfun/ Wei...