Proverbs really know no boundaries; they are truly universal and the Chinese proverbs in this selection have found their way over the centuries into all the important cultures of the world. It is their intrinsic wisdom and truth that make them eternally relevant.Coming face to face with the monumental wisdom of the legendary Master Kung (better known by his Latinized name of Confucius) and others, is both a revealing and humbling experience. The Master's influence is to be found in the greater part of all proverbs that emanate from China.Confucius encouraged in his followers a careful study of the outside world, and a process of deep thought through which to consider and judge their observations. His ideal was to achieve human perfection and he wanted his followers to develop the facility to judge matters skilfully rather than simply to live by a set of rules.If we can absorb just a little of the profound wisdom of the Orient found in Confucius for Today , we will, indeed, be better equipped to interpret life around us. As Confucius said: 'As one lamp serves to dispel a thousand years of darkness, so one flash of wisdom destroys ten thousand years of ignorance.'