Ancient wisdom

I have spent a lifetime searching the books of ancient wisdom starting with 
Christianity when I was a child and eventually moving through many of the 
sacred books of the world's great religions and then into Eastern and Western 
philosophy. 

I did not chose to devote my life to the pursuit of money. Neither did I 
spend my life in contemplation. I raised a family, honored my parents, 
acquired three university degrees, served my country, and worked in my own 
insurance, accounting and legal businesses.

I have spent my life in the pursuit of understanding how the ancient wisdom 
could be applied to contemporary problems for the purpose of increasing the 
peace in society.

The following is a very small portion of the words and thoughts I have 
contemplated and attempted to apply all my life.

For more, see the WorldPeace Peace Page at www.johnworldpeace.com

In the end, WorldPeace

John WorldPeace
The next governor of Texas
No more corruption. No more Monicas
God Bless Texas

March 5, 2002
_________________

Lao-tzu

When the master governs, the people
are hardly aware that he exists.
Next best is a leader who is loved.
Next, one who is feared.
The worst is one who is despised.

If you don't trust the people,
you make them untrustworthy.

The master doesn't talk, he acts.
When his work is done, 
the people say, "Amazing:
we did it, all by ourselves!"

Buddha


Those whose possessions are limited for the most part by utility, 
like pots and pans for cooking and vehicles for transportation,
as opposed to ownership for the purpose of achieving social status;
whose food is simple and basic
and whose sexual pleasures are an integral part of loving someone 
as opposed the to mindless gratification of the genitals,
tend not to be confused in the manifestations of this reality
and have a better chance of achieving
and maintaining peace and harmony in their lives. 
These people can be likened to a mountain
which is unaffected by even the most violent of winds.

Confucius

4. Tseng Tzu said,

"At the end of everyday, I ask myself three questions.

1) In my acts for others, have I been worthy of their trust?
2) Have I been true to my word?
3) Have I practiced what I taught?

5. The teacher said,

"When administering the affairs of a great nation, take care of official 
business, do not betray the trust of the people, do not manifest a need for 
unnecessary taxes by overspending and do not draft the farmers into the 
military between planting and harvest."

7. The teacher said,

"If one lacks respect for her parents, then providing for them is like
providing for one's animals."

8. The teacher said,

"Respecting one's parents amounts to more than taking care of their
chores and providing them with food and drink. It is the intent to show
respect through those acts that is essential."

20. The teacher said,

"In governing, to obtain respect, foster loyalty and instill optimism,
do the following: In all your words and deeds, treat others with dignity and
you will obtain their respect. Be respectful to your parents and nurturing
toward your children and you will foster loyalty. Promote the honest and
train the unskilled and the people will become optimistic."

21. When asked why he did not participate in government, the teacher
said,

"I am respectful to my parents, nurturing to my children and in
harmony with my brothers and sisters. This is the root of government even
though it is not generally recognized as such."

22. The teacher said,

"I do not know how a person who is untrustworthy can be put to use. If
an automobile has no steering wheel, how can its direction be determined."