Humans absorb material energy from food and nature. Our digestive system and circulation system transform and send this energy through our arteries to reach the whole body. As the “king” of all the human organs, human heart not only physically bridge materialized body energy, but also invisibly transform materialized body energy into perceptive spiritual energy which is combined with human emotions, thoughts, and intelligence.
This invisible energy expresses itself to the outside world through language. Very profoundly, human-人 plus language-语言, it is a human’s sign and message to the outer world, it is a human’s trust and faith from its inside to the out.
More profoundly, this human-人 + language-语言 = 信-sign, message, trust, and faith. This is how this very important Chinese character was created and working.
Furthermore, 信 typically means the letters we write and mail in old times, the letters we write and email in nowadays, the letters I am typing here in expressing myself, and the letters we send out through all kinds of media.
So, be careful in using your letters and words when speaking. Faithfully your words reveal your true character from deep inside your heart: if you are elegant, supportive, and trustworthy; or you are rude, critical, and argumentive, telling tales and lies.
Fascinating points Professor Helen… and I wholeheartedly agree. What we put in our system often dictates how we react on the outside. As with food, the same goes with data. We are what we read. We are what we are learn from birth, a byproduct of nature versus nurture. Yet some of us need to work with a chisel and hammer in life. We can’t all paint with a delicate brush. As you know, the world is a prickly place… and not everything is always as it seems. Compassion will always remain our finest teacher, but it is imperative that we learn with thicker skin. I hope the world is treating you well dear friend.