36 Ways to Change Your Look

An old saying goes: "When intention is present though not yet visible, the face follows the heart; when there is appearance without intention, the face fades with the heart." It teaches that a person's appearance changes with the quality of their thoughts. Even if someone looks fierce now, if they regularly cultivate compassion, that fierceness will soon soften into a favorable look. Conversely, even if someone appears blessed, if they neglect good deeds and often harbor greed and anger, that blessed look will gradually fade. The heart is what shapes one's appearance; better to look to the heart than judge by appearances.

A good-hearted person shows the following thirty-six qualities:

• Understands the burdens of office yet remains willing to serve the public as a servant of the people.
• Balances firmness with gentleness.
• Esteems good deeds and keeps company with the virtuous.
• Shares good food with others.
• Avoids keeping company with petty people.
• Regularly practices unseen kindness and makes life easier for others.
• Helps manage household affairs from a young age.
• Never looks down on those who ask for help.
• Exercises self-restraint for others' sake.
• Does not abet wrongdoing and takes no pleasure in killing.
• Stays calm when hearing of or facing events.
• Keeps promises.
• Stands by their conduct and principles.
• Reflects on mistakes before going to sleep.
• Moves forward with courage, neither dwelling on the past nor basking in past achievements.
• Does not stir up hatred in others.
• Does not hide faults or cover shortcomings.
• Acts with care and thoroughness in dealings with others.
• Never forgets kindness received.
• Is broad-minded.
• Neither deceives the good nor fears the wicked.
• Shows compassion and helps orphans, widows, and those in distress.
• Does not help the strong bully the weak.
• Does not forget old friends.
• Regularly works for the public good.
• Speaks little and avoids idle chatter.
• Accepts gifts with humility.
• Speaks clearly and gently.
• Does not interrupt when others are speaking.
• Often speaks of good deeds and others' virtues.
• Does not look down on simple clothes and plain meals.
• Behaves appropriately and with integrity at all times.
• Acts tirelessly upon hearing good counsel or good deeds.
• Understands others' hunger and hardship and often shows empathy.
• Does not dwell on others' past wrongs and grievances.
• Strives to help old friends in times of difficulty.

By living out these thirty-six qualities, one may attain high office in the future (or in the next life) and enjoy longevity and a good end. If one cannot fully live them out, blessings and misfortunes will be intertwined; the fewer qualities one embodies, the fewer the blessings and fortunes. Those who embody thirty qualities can rise to the position of a regional governor (akin to a provincial governor), those who embody more than ten can become county magistrates or assistant officials, and those who embody five or seven will also become very wealthy.