42. In interpersonal relationships, we can at most maintain mutual respect through etiquette. However, the deeper the connection, the harder it is to bridge differences in values. The loneliness caused by differing values cannot be alleviated by personal change. Even if one changes, it can only be towards a higher standard—you can improve yourself to match a higher level, but you cannot deliberately lower your intelligence to accommodate mediocrity.
43. Beautiful things always happen when you expect them. What you desire may not arrive in the shape or form you imagined, but your request will certainly be answered. All you need to do is hold onto your intention and wait for it to arrive. You possess such great power; why not use it?
44. You may raise pets, but do not treat them as your children.
45. In all things, gains and losses have their purpose at any given moment. Never trap yourself in self-made cocoons; do not give up, do not cling to the ego, do not look back constantly, and do not indulge in self-pity. Let everything take its natural course.
46. The best measure of success is not how much money you have earned, but whether you are living the life you desire.
47. Emotions can indeed influence behavior. Many people make mistakes or even trigger tragedies because they cannot control their emotions. Can we control our emotions? The answer is yes. When facing difficulties, as long as you calm down and tell yourself to 'wait a moment,' you will gain control.
48. Throughout life, people worry about money! No matter how much you earn, it never feels like enough; no matter how hard you work, you can never save enough; no matter how long you are busy, there is no end. The word 'money' has humbled many heroes and broken many marriages.
49. A single nail defines a person's life.
50. Life is a lever, and belief is its 'fulcrum.' With this fulcrum, a continuous flame will burn in the heart. Just as Sima Qian, after suffering castration, persevered in writing and produced the 'Records of the Grand Historian,' which Lu Xun praised as 'the masterpiece of historians, a Rhapsody of Chu without rhymes.' The brave require persistence and resistance. Grin your teeth and grow alongside the wind, rain, and sunshine.
51. Life is like a maze; if you are not careful, you will lose yourself.
52. Life is actually too short to constantly live unhappily. Even the best partners will one day be lost. Even the deepest impressions will one day fade. Even those we love dearly will one day depart. Even the most beautiful dreams will one day end. Never cling to what should be let go, and never let go of what should be cherished. Since we once hurt each other, we need not be companions; since we once loved each other deeply, we need not be enemies.
53. Never teach others 'how to do,' but rather tell them 'what to do.' Their ingenuity will bring you surprises.
54. In a hundred miles, one should strive to make up for deficiencies; with a meager salary, one should live frugally and with integrity. — Yao Buying
55. Do not feel resentment toward those who come to beg.
56. I have never hated going to work. To me, it is not just a job, but a beautiful experience, even on the gloomiest days.
57. Traveling a thousand miles to burn incense is not as good as sitting at home chanting Buddha's name. Serving evil masters is not as good as honoring parents and chanting Buddha's name. Befriending demons is not as good as staying pure and chanting Buddha's name. Seeking merit in the next life is not as good as creating blessings now and chanting Buddha's name. Praying for protection is not as good as repenting and chanting Buddha's name. Studying external scriptures is not as good as being illiterate and chanting Buddha's name. Discussing Zen without wisdom is not as good as honestly observing precepts and chanting Buddha's name. Seeking supernatural powers is not as good as believing in karma and chanting Buddha's name!
58. The intellect of most people serves their desires; they struggle in the cage of want all their lives, losing the ability to understand and appreciate greatness and nobility. Only pure, objective thought and aesthetic engagement with art can bring pure joy. If our lives lack this dimension, our entire existence will be confined to a low level.