Double Color　100 Philosophy Stories to Open Up the Wisdom of Primary School Students

Author: Su Chunli
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: The peacock is often proud of its beautiful feathers and believes it can rival the queen of humans. Unfortunately, almost no bird in the avian world regards it as a noble queen. One day, a crane passed by the peacock. "Can't you stop for a moment to look at me?" the peacock, which was displaying its feathers, called out to the hurried crane. "Sorry, I have many things to do and no time to admire your feathers," the crane replied, then continued on its way. The peacock, however, blocked the crane's path and mocked it, ridiculing its grayish-white feathers, saying, "My attire is like that of a queen—it has gold and purple, all the colors of the rainbow, while you, your wings are even devoid of a single color." "That is true, but I can soar high into the sky and my voice echoes among the stars, while you can only wander on the ground like a chicken, roaming back and forth in a courtyard filled with manure, among domestic fowl."
Meaning: Nobility comes from within. The peacock, because of its beautiful feathers, naturally believed it was noble. It strutted around in arrogance, mocking the crane, but it did not realize that nobility originates from the inner heart, not from external attire. Nobility is the natural expression of inner temperament and does not require any adornment to highlight it. So, what makes a person noble? It is not grandeur, dazzling wealth, hereditary titles, or false fame, but a pure soul, a kind character, sincere emotions, and upright integrity. It is not a lavish appearance, heavy decoration, a pretentious demeanor, or extravagant displays, but simple and honest conduct, natural and sincere behavior, and a practical nature that does not crave. It is not arrogance, self-conceit, endless self-praise, or opportunistic self-glorification, but modest self-awareness, a clear and rational sense of self-worth, and profound introspection. It is these qualities that truly make a person noble! It is these qualities that elevate a person, earning them eternal respect and admiration.
Some may be humble or unknown, but this does not diminish their nobility, just as the crane in the story, though lacking beautiful feathers, can soar high and its voice echoes among the stars. Therefore, what determines a person's nobility is their character, not how they speak or how they dress. If you are of low quality, spending your days idly and wasting your time, even if you are dressed in designer clothes, it will not make you noble.
We praise nobility, we uphold nobility, and we call for nobility! Because it is nobility that elevates us beyond lower animals and fulfills our humanity and purpose. In a materialistic and society, nobility is especially rare and precious. To become noble, one must cultivate their character and become a person of high moral integrity. Only a beautiful exterior without inner refinement will not only fail to win people's favor but also invite their contempt.
It is because of nobility that our lives are filled with vitality, harmony, color, and sunshine; it is because of nobility that our homes and society produce beautiful and moving stories, magnificent and extraordinary symphonies; it is because of nobility that our surroundings are filled with warmth and civilization, far from barbarism, indifference, and desolation; and it is because of nobility that our planet has risen with glory and dreams!
Wading in the Wisdom Sea Without good moral qualities and a beautiful inner world, even the most beautiful exterior can only serve as a mannequin in a clothing store.