NEW BOOK IN PREPARATION: UNIVERSAL VALUES, HAPPINESS AND HARMONY Throughout human history, people have been searching for happiness and harmony. Even though happiness is sometimes viewed as a personal matter, it is now measurable in terms of happiness index. The most popular being the Gross National Happiness Index. Does happiness follow material progress and modernisation? The truth is, as human civilization progresses, amidst science and technological advancements, happiness and harmony are so near and yet so far for the human society. In general, most people perceive that material wealth brings happiness. Hence, economic progress and technical education are given more emphasis. Yet, they are many among the affluent who are not happy. They lead a busy life and do not have proper rest. The middle and lower classes are generally not happy either. In reality, many people in both developed and developing nations, rich and poor, urban and rural, actually live with worries and lack social security. Moral education has been identified as one of the means to achieve happiness and harmony. Such education is found in the teachings of all religions and the sages in different societies. It is now perceived that the universal values contained in these teachings have to be re-positioned in human society if human beings wish to attain happiness and harmony. In this little book, a small effort is made to relook at the universal values as emphasised by Kongzi or Confucius (551–479 B.C.E). Such universal values are generally known as Di Zi Gui or Standards for Being A Good Student or “The Rules for Students”. Di Zi Gui is sourced from Analects of Confucius. Such values were then elaborated further Li Yuxiu who lived from the 17th to 18th centuries during the reign of Emperor Kangxi (1661-1722) of the Qing Dynasty. Based on the wisdom of past wise men and sages, Confucius observed that happiness and harmony could be achieved when good values are practised between the following parties: (a) husband and wife; (b) parents and children; (c) brothers and sisters; (d) leaders and followers, employers and employees; (e) among friends. It is important to note that such values emphasised by Confucius are not new. These values are universal and found in other cultures and religious teachings too. Confucius just reminded us which among these values are the most important and must be given priority. In all human societies, such universal values have been passed down from generation to generation by the elders to the young. As society modernises and develops, these values are often trivialised and sidelined, if not forgotten. It is hoped that the publication of this little book will help revive the practice of universal values that could bring happiness to individuals and families, thereby promoting harmony. This little book only repeats the universal values practised by all cultures that are still very relevant in this era of science and technology. As such, readers should view these universal values as supplementary practices that support the existing cultures and great religious teachings. Indeed, universal values are actually education values suitable for practice by all peoples irrespective of cultural, ethnic and religious origins. The practice of such universal values helps to avoid and resolve conflicts among multi-ethnic societies, like that in Malaysia, and the multi-racial world community. The universal values are the foundation for national unity and world harmony. By practising these values in our daily livelihood, anytime and anywhere, our life destiny will also be changed. As one who benefits from the practice of universal values as presented by Confucius, it is my social responsibility to share my knowlege and experience for the benefit of others. In late 2011, I began to prepare the Malay version of universal values. This finally led to the publication of a little book entitled Nilai-Nilai Murni Sejagat: Ke Arah Keluarga Bahagia dan Keharmonian Dunia in early 2013. The Malaysian plural society responded positively after the first 1,200 copies were distrubuted free-of-charge. By April 2013, another 2,000 copies had been printed and distributed. A total of 150 copies were given to Taiping Prison, Arau Prison and Machang Prison in Malaysia. In June 2013, Persatuan Pendidikan Nilai-Niali Murni Dan Tradisi Cina, Kota Bharu, Kelantan sought permission and then reprinted 1,000 for free distribution to the public. In August 2013, LSYMEDIA Group Sdn Bhd, a private Malaysian company based in Seremban, sponsored the printing of another 1,000 copies. The company manager gave part of the books to his clients and friends while I disseminated the rest. In January 2014, with financial support from the National Library of Malaysia in the form of purchasing the author’s book, another 2,000 copies were printed for free distribution. In January 2014, a total of 150 copies were given to Pusat Anak-Anak Yatim Ilham, near Taman Tun Dr Ismail in Kuala Lumpur. Following the good response from the public came a repeated request for me to present the universal values in English. I hesitated as efforts had already been made by others to translate Confucius teachings into English. As more requests were received to publish these universal values in English, I could no longer decline. The existing publications were examined again. Effort was taken to present the educational teachings and their importance in a special way so that they are acceptable to all. Yes, you will find some familiar phrases contained in other publications. For this, I thank them from the bottom of my heart. The presentation of the universal values emphasised by the past sages in this little book takes a special form. The human problems are explained, the root causes identified and how we could achieve happiness and harmony through practising universal values in daily life outlined. The values are also presented in a manner which is easy to read and remember, and convenient to practise. Such is the modest difference of this book from those of others conveying the same message. This litle book is by no means perfect and there is always room for improvement. Whatever shortcomings contained in this book are entirely mine. With a humble heart, my apology for any faults with the book. May this little book help you find the answers to problems in human interaction. If you are willing to keep an open mind, be humble and let go of oneself, you will find the solutions to poor relationships. If you are still not happy and calm, just take a break and later check which part of this little book you have not practised enough. Then, move on with confidence and great patience. It is our wish that you and your family too would enjoy the bliss of happiness and harmony by practising universal values in your daily life. Together let us build a world full of happiness and harmony. How could this be achieved? It begins with oneself. When one is in harmony with the self, it sets the foundation for the family to be in harmony. When the family units are in harmony, the society, nation and world will be in harmony. From the heart of love, sincerity and compassion Lim Hin Fui, PhD