“If your plan is for one year, plant rice. If your plan is for ten years, plant trees. If your plan is for one hundred years, educate children.” This advice attributed to Confucius (551-479 BCE), philosopher of the Spring and Autumn period in China, is relevant today. Confucius advocated for personal and governmental morality, a ruler’s responsibility to lead by virtue, and harmonious social relationships characterized by kindness and sincerity. His mantra for his students asking for a single guide to follow is referred to today as the Silver Rule: “What you do not wish upon yourself, extend not to others” (from The Analects). The Silver Rule is a parallel to the Christian Golden Rule (dated by scholars to around 50-60 CE in oral tradition).
These Silver/Gold words (commonly referred to as rules) are not the only seeds that people plant on our precious planet. Too often our current news feed is clogged with the language of graft, corruption, and war. It is sobering to consider that in the Spring and Autumn period in Chinese history (770-476 BCE) feuding states fought with one another and competed for power. Long walls were erected to keep out aboriginal and nomadic tribes. This eerie history repeats itself today. The period that came next in China is referred to as Warring States period (475-221 BCE). We can be grateful to Confucious and his followers that virtuous voices stood up for planting seeds of morality.
“…There is nothing better you can do with your words than plant a precious seed. Sow seeds, wherever you go…” says Sunday Times Scottish poet Donna Ashworth in her poem, Say It. Her words are proving to be fruitful planters. Her words are growing poetry reading in the UK with what Ashworth calls “self -help in poetry.” For those who have criticized the simplicity of Ashworth’s voice, perhaps there are jealous parts lurking. Her popularity among the 20-30 year-old population in the UK is driving more readers to classical poets as well. Education occurs on many fronts. Say yes to planting words that promote kindness and sincerity.
Also, say yes to planting perennial seeds and trees in yards and gardens. Being a collaborator with Mother Nature over time is rewarding in countless positive ways. The sheer magic of creation gives hope for a world fatigued from countless negative actions. From a tiny seed that looks fragile and vulnerable to emergence into a thriving plant takes a period of darkness underground before transformation blooms into a gift of sustainability, beauty, and possibly food.
It takes grit, or passion plus persistence, to nurture fledgling seeds. It takes gardening wisdom to water at the right times, provide protection from the elements, and plan for adequate light. Likewise, it takes passion plus persistence to craft the words we utter, whether meant for poetry or peace talks.
Pearls of Peace (PoP) Quiz
486. What “seeds” (literal or otherwise) are you planting this spring?
487. How much grit do you possess?
Pearls of Peace: A Family Psychologist’s Circle-of-Life Blog 