Sima Guang, whose name is Junshi, was a famous politician, historian and writer in the Northern Song Dynasty. He presided over the compilation of the first chronicle in Chinese history, Zizhi Tongjian, leaving valuable historical materials for future generations. However, in addition to his outstanding contributions in the field of historiography, Sima Guang was also known for his noble character and integrity attitude. Today, we are going to tell a story about Sima Guang selling horses to show his personality.
During the Northern Song Dynasty, Sima Guang held a number of important positions, such as Zhizhi Hui, Hanlin Bachelor, etc. However, he was not happy in officialdom, because he adhered to principles and did not flatter, so he was repeatedly ostracized. Later, Sima Guang decided to sell an old horse that had been with him for many years because of his family's financial difficulties. Although this horse is old, he is still in good spirits, and he has served Sima Guang for many years and is an indispensable partner in his life.
However, the horse had a lung disease at one time. Although it has been carefully cured, there is still a certain risk. When the servant led the horse to the market, Sima Guang specially instructed:"This horse has had a lung disease, and if there is a buyer, you should tell the truth"。Many people in the neighborhood laughed at Sima Guang for being pedantic, thinking that he was too serious about such a trivial matter. They believe that since the horse has been cured, the condition is no longer important, and such a minor illness is nothing to the horse at all. However, how can ordinary people understand this quality of his?
At the bazaar, the servant truthfully informed the buyer of the horse's illness as Sima Guang had instructed. After hearing this, the buyer decided to buy the horse, although he was a little hesitant. He felt that since Sima Guang told him this fact so honestly, then this person must be trustworthy. What's more, although the horse was sick once, it is now healed, and it is also very reasonable.
When asked why he told the buyer the truth about the horse's condition, Sima Guang said: "Selling horses is a small matter, but honesty is a big matter, how can you lose your reputation because of greed?"This sentence expresses Sima Guang's importance to integrity. He believes that integrity is the cornerstone of a person's quality and the foundation of living in the world. At no time should one's reputation be damaged for the sake of momentary gains. This determination and quality of adhering to the principle of integrity has made Sima Guang a model under the education of Confucianism and has always been admired.
In fact, Sima Guang has always adhered to this principle of integrity in his life. During his tenure, he was strict with himself, did not seek personal gain, and did not engage in favoritism. He is meticulous in his work and cares for the people. It is precisely because of this noble quality and the attitude of adhering to integrity that Sima Guang was able to leave such a brilliant mark in history.
The story of Sima Guang's horse sale tells us that integrity is the cornerstone of a person's quality and the foundation of living in the world. At no time should one's reputation be damaged for the sake of momentary gains. This determination and quality of adhering to the principle of integrity has made Sima Guang a model under the education of Confucianism and has always been admired.
In today's society, integrity is still a very important quality. We should Xi to Sima Optics that no matter what time we are, we must adhere to the principle of honesty and be an honest and honest person. Only in this way can we gain a foothold in society and earn the respect and trust of others.
The story of Sima Guang's horse sale reflects his determination and character to uphold the principle of integrity. His personality can be called a model under the education of Confucianism, and he has always been admired. This story not only allows us to understand Sima Guang's qualities, but also reminds us to cherish the virtue of honesty and be an upright and honest person.