Timeless Wisdom: The Ancient Chinese Art of Self-Improvement

Timeless Wisdom: The Ancient Chinese Art of Self-Improvement
Old Zhenhai in 1860s; the entrance gate of the Temple of Confucius. Public domain
Joshua Charles
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For many years, I’ve exhorted everyone I know to develop a love of reading. I’m particularly passionate about encouraging parents (to get their children into reading) and young people (while they retain their youth, so they may become wise adults).

What I often say is that reading is not a matter of mere pleasure—in fact, this is the lowest form of reading. Reading, in its highest form, is about learning so that one may grow in virtue. I often recommend the subject of history, because in history we are presented with countless examples of human conduct by which we may be instructed in every imaginable subject that matters most for the well-lived life—things like character, statesmanship, and wisdom.

Joshua Charles
Joshua Charles
Author
Joshua Charles is a former White House speechwriter for Vice President Mike Pence, a No. 1 New York Times best-selling author, historian, columnist, writer/ghostwriter, and public speaker. His work has been featured or published by numerous outlets. He has published books on topics ranging from the Founding Fathers, to Israel, to the impact of the Bible on human history. He was the senior editor and concept developer of the “Global Impact Bible,” published by the D.C.-based Museum of the Bible in 2017, and is an affiliated scholar of the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center in Philadelphia. He is a Tikvah and Philos Fellow, and has spoken around the country on topics such as history, politics, faith, and worldview. He is a concert pianist, holds an MA in Government, and a law degree. Follow him on Twitter @JoshuaTCharles or visit JoshuaTCharles.com.
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