Thanks for the explanation of the phrase about tea.

Thinking about the superficiality of human relationships, I think it is a pain in many ways.

I found it interesting how you explain the problem of the honest official, in the end, he is left aside for 'not being useful to his people', that hurts and explains a little certain acts of corruption and nepotism. I don't approve of them, but I understand that some people cannot be so devoted to their duty as to take their personal and family interests out of the equation.

By the way, about preaching to change people, you remind me of a quote from a Catholic Christian preacher from medieval Europe. If I remember correctly, he was considered the best preacher of his time, and he explained his success a little (when a nobleman asked him) with a phrase that could be translated as: “We must preach, preach and preach. And, if it is necessary to talk.”

Although the first time I read it I thought it was a paradox or a translation error, it was later that I understood that it was not an error. This man pointed out that it was through actions, first-hand experience, and sincere example that the true purpose of what he considered his religious preaching could be enforced.

There are those who think that preaching is talking and reasoning, even if sophistry is used to make absurd verbiage. But mere talk cannot really convince.

The reality shown and experienced is a better teacher than speech with empty words.