Wen Tzu - Verse 112, Part I

from Verse One Hundred Twelve

Those who are successful without being humane or just are mistrusted, while those who have erred but are humane and just are trusted. Therefore humaneness and justice are constant norms for affairs, honored by the world.

~ Wen-tzu: Understanding the Mysteries ~

There's really not a lot to add to the above passage as it is so straightforward. Most of us look favorably on others who treat us in a respectful and compassionate manner. Those are the sorts of people to which we offer the broadest benefit of the doubt. Conversely, we afford very little benefit of the doubt for those who treat us with rude disregard.

At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter who is the smartest, best looking or richest person around. The people who are most valued by individuals and communities are those who brighten our lives -- those people who cause us to feel loving just by being in their company.

This post is part of a series. For an introduction, go here.