Introduction

《Guidelines for Being a Good Person》Introduction

This book is a translation of , a book of   maxims（1）that was written by ancient Chinese sages.   Memorized by children when they were young, the   book provided guidelines that would enable them to   learn how to become a good child and student and,   later, a good adult, parent, friend, and citizen.

（1）maxims：n.   a short statement of a general truth, principle, or rule for behaviour

To the casual reader, the maxims can appear to be   straightforward and easy to carry out. But when   trying to put them into practice, one discovers that   they are anything but easy, or simple. Neither are they   just for children. These principles for behavior can   guide us the rest of our lives.