The book "Teaching children" was written at the very beginning of the second millennium, but its content can be called relevant today. Its author is Vladimir Monomakh - a prince who was born in 1053. Over his long life (he lived a little more than seventy years), this great man gained enough wisdom and experience to share them with the children of Russia, to convey to them his knowledge, thoughts and abilities.
Life examples in a book
As mentioned above, the relevance and popularity of the book "Teaching children" is noted in modern times. Its summary is that the prince expresses his thoughts, gives advice and guidance, and also gives examples from his own life. Perhaps that is why the book has become so popular, since few of today's authors who are trying to give any recommendations to their readers have a factual basis. As for the prince himself, his advice is valid, and he proves this with true stories from his own life.
How it all began...
The book "Teaching Children" originates during one of many trips. Monomakh leaves for the Volga, where he meets with the ambassadors of his brothers. They propose to Vladimir the unification of military forces in order to appropriate the volost belonging to the Rostislavichs. If he answers their proposal in the negative, he will be deprived of all sorts of support if war breaks out in his native territories. Returning home, the prince was quite disappointed, because civil strife, as well as hostilities against the brothers did not please his heart. In sad thoughts, he opened the Psalter and began to read. It was at this moment that he had the desire to leave a message to the descendants of the generation of that modernity.
What is the essence of a righteous life?
The book "Teaching Children" includes several clever sayings that have not lost their significance until today. First of all, the prince calls on the children and grandchildren of Rus to ensure that they always act according to their conscience and never abandon such virtues as duty and honor, valor and justice. Of course, he describes these his thoughts from the point of view of religion, but morality in them does not decrease from this. Monomakh says that God's mercy comes not only when a person leads a reclusive lifestyle, constantly fasts and becomes a monk, but also when committing good deeds. That is, even if people do not follow their food, sometimes forget to pray or about another important element, then it is enough for them to help their neighbor, and not so that God would thank them, but with sincere desire and free will.
Practical tips
The advice given by Monomakh was not devoid of practice either. "Teaching children" contains the following recommendations from the prince:
- read the elders;
- during wars, rely only on themselves, and not on the governor, establishing clear rules and following them;
- Do not put off weapons when times are turbulent behind the door;
- love the spouse, but do not allow her to dominate the head of the family;
- do not allow their servants and wards to carry out various bad actions against the peasants (bullying, violence, etc.).
Do not be afraid of death ...
When Monomakh finished the book “Teaching Children,” he wrote a story about himself. In the end, the prince turned to his grandchildren asking them not to judge him. He described many of his exploits, but not at all in order to brag to his descendants, but as an example. And he finished the story with thoughts that you should not be afraid of death, since only God can decide when to cut off someone's life, and there is no point in being afraid or arguing with his will.