UNITED NATIONS  - In the eyes of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, inner strength is much more important than physical strength when doing what many consider the most impossible job in the world.

But where can one gain inner strength? For the 67-year-old former South Korean Foreign Minister, the answer is Chinese classics.

"I've been living in Korea studying the Chinese classics: Kong Zi (Confucius), Lao Zi, Meng Zi (Mencius), and Sun Zi ... All these classical wisdoms are very important to nourish your inner strength," Ban said in a recent interview with Xinhua after his successful re-election.

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"I have learned many classic teachings of Confucius and Lao Zi, that's why I quoted a sentence from Lao Zi in my acceptance speech," Ban said.

Last week, in addressing the General Assembly after being elected for a second term, Ban quoted from the great 6th Century BCE Chinese philosopher, "The way of heaven is to benefit others and not to injure. The way of the sage is to act but not compete."

"This is what I've been trying to practice by example. This is what I've been trying to keep in my mind as a public servant during the last longer than 40 years. It has given me some guidance ... a source of (inner) strength," Ban said.

He cited the United Nations as an example, saying that, in order to harmonize and accommodate all the different positions in such a huge organization where 192 member states come with different backgrounds, one should be extremely patient and have respect for others rather than imposing his own ideas.

Rather than compete, Ban called for united actions and harmonious cooperation.

"There are many high walls between the departments and agencies. Tearing down these walls is not to compete," Ban explained.

"If you compete, you'll be divided into many small pieces. But when you're united, you can have very strong power. That is my belief and philosophy."

Talking about the relationship between China and the United Nations, Ban expressed appreciation for China's long-term contribution and support.

"I cannot emphasize more the importance of the strong partnership between China and the United Nations. Not only because it is one of the permanent members of the Security Council, but also because of its strong commitment to the goals of the UN," Ban said.

China had provided many peacekeepers and financial and logistical support, and China's contribution to South-South cooperation was great and important, he said.

"No major decision can be taken without Chinese support and that's why I've been maintaining very close relationships with the leadership of China," Ban said.

As the world's top diplomat, Ban has an onerous responsibility and a mind-boggling workload that demands a round-the-clock commitment by him and his team.

He was called a "tireless champion" by Jeffery Sachs, a well-known economist at Columbia University, and was considered as someone "who is committed to seeing the job through and will work tirelessly to get it done right" by Ted Turner, United Nations Foundation founder.

When asked about his panacea for working round the clock, the veteran diplomat burst into laughter.

"There's no such a panacea," he beamed broadly. "I do not do any physical exercise. I've not been able to enjoy any sport."0   "I think the most important thing is how to concentrate your energy and your mind, your heart and spirit," Ban said.

"I am very disciplined in my daily life. I try to use my time to the maximum extent possible and whenever time is given, I concentrate and focus ... and that really gives me much strength," he said.