Confucius & Mencius | Two-of-a-Kind

Can you cite a specific example on how the GOLDEN RULE: “Do not do unto others what you would not like yourself” applies in real life? Recall an experience in your life in which you reaped what you have sown and explain.

Ever since I was a kid, I have already experienced being teased by other people because my thin and sickly body. Growing up, my parents told me it is best to just ignore them and continue doing my thing and improving myself rather than engaging into scuffles with them. 

I know what it feels like to be teased just because of how I look. I know how disheartening it is and how it can bring down anyone's confidence. Hence, whenever I think of or see someone being teased or made fun of, I remove the thought in my head and I do not engage with such things any further. 

In a way, I never wanted that to happen to me and so, in not doing it to others, I preserve the self-respect that emanates from being aware of how others feel too.  

As a student, do you think Mencius’ philosophy of ‘Following Your Heart’ has relevant implications in choosing a career path? Explain your answer.

Yes. 

My mother used to tell me that when I was younger, I had mentioned several career paths that I would like to take someday, each changing depending on what caught my attention in those years. 

I remember the day I knew what my father's job was and the first time he brought me to his workplace--that was the day I said to myself, "I will become an electrical engineer someday."

It was not a decision that my parents persuaded me into; it was a choice of heart that conspired with the mind. 

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Give your understanding of the Tao.

I confess that I do not have any understanding of Tao. But as far as I can account to, understanding the Tao is not about knowing everything about it or being able to explain it to others. Tao is a way of living—and we get to understand it by living it through our experiences. 

Just like in any learning context, it is better if you know a topic by heart than just knowing it through words or terms. That is, being able to show it in your actions, which I believe is the best way of teaching, rather than explaining it through words. 

Actions speak louder than words. Learning is a relatively permanent change in behavior as a result of experiences.