Joy and happiness

By / 01-19-2017 / (Chinese Social Sciences Today)

 

万两黄金未为贵,一家安乐值钱多
Stacks of gold have no real value; a family’s carefree joy is worth far more.
The proverb indicates that one should not take gold as the most valuable thing in the world, and instead only a family’s sound health and happiness are what really matter.

 

戏法人人会变,各有巧妙不同
Magicians are many, each with his own tricks.
The proverb highlights that people may do the same thing in different ways.

 

歌者不期于利声,而贵在中节;论者不期于丽辞,而务在事实
As a singer does not strive to reach high falsetto, but puts value in following closely the rhythm, so the speech-giver does not hesitate to fashion enthralling speeches so that he may concentrate upon the crux of matters under consideration.
The proverb is used metaphorically to mean that one should be pragmatic in conducting oneself and handling affairs.

 

乐易者常寿长,忧险者常夭折
Those who are happy and relaxed always live to a great age; those who are melancholy and insecure who always cut down while young.
The proverb originally comes from Xuncius in the Warring States period. It emphasizes that people should adjust their attitudes and keep themselves happy and optimistic.

 

乐莫乐兮新相知,悲莫悲兮生别离
No joy equals that of making a new friend; no sorrow that of being separated from friends.
The proverb comes from the poem Nine Songs, written by a patriotic poet Qu Yuan in the Warring States period. It indicates that friendship plays a significant role in one’s life.

 

福地留与福人来
Places of happiness are reserved for people who are blessed.
The proverb means that in the past people thought that only people who are blessed by God could live in places with a good environment.