In the universe, there are no victims, only creators. Every event is merely an opportunity to decide who you want to be. Be the light that illuminates the darkness, rather than cursing it. In moments when you are surrounded by doubt, do not forget who you are; even when you seek change, do so with praise.
A healthy body is forged through exercise, a sharp mind through reflection, good habits through cultivation, fine character through self-discipline, talents through practice, and steady feet through walking. The power of words is also profound: sometimes speaking less is better than speaking long, and sometimes not speaking at all is better than speaking briefly. Sometimes speaking indirectly is better than speaking directly, and sometimes speaking behind one's back is better than speaking to one's face.
Time, in the context of life, is not like "The grass on the plain withers and flourishes once a year, but wild fires cannot burn it all away, and it rises again with the spring breeze." It is not like "The swallows from the old palace fly into the homes of ordinary people." Rather, it is like "The sun sets behind the mountains, and the Yellow River flows into the sea," never to return. Understanding this truth allows one to cherish life.
When a flock of geese rests, one goose, called the "goose servant," must take turns acting as a lookout. At any sign of movement, it cries out to alert the flock. A hunter once failed repeatedly to catch geese. He then devised a plan: he ran straight toward the flock and hid after the lookout cried out. After several escapes, the geese found no danger and blamed the lookout, eventually pecking it. The goose servant sighed in silence, and when the hunter approached again, it chose not to cry out, leading to the death of half the flock. Such is the world: the loyal are often misunderstood, and those who fail to persist because of misunderstanding face regret.
Keep moving forward and do not look back. By following the natural course, your heart will gradually become clear. Taking a detour to go straight is wise, as you find a shortcut; taking a straight path and making it winding is open-minded, as you enjoy more scenery. Always maintain a heart of tolerance and gratitude; tolerance is a virtue and a wisdom, and being broad like the ocean is true greatness.
On the journey of life, if you understand empathy, understanding, and tolerance, your days will be warm and peaceful. Without them, life will only become more troublesome. Much of life's frustration stems from being too focused on our own opinions and failing to understand or yield to others, which wounds the soul. Life, in many ways, is about empathy and understanding.
The heart is tea, and tea is the heart. A cup of clear tea reflects all aspects of the world. Buddhists see Zen, Taoists see Qi, Confucians see ritual, and merchants see profit. In the mortal world, tea cooling as people leave is a natural law; tea cooling while people remain is the fickleness of human nature. Life is like tea: bitter at first, but returning to sweetness after the bitterness. Ultimately, everything comes from the heart; when the heart is calm, the coolness follows naturally.
King Edward of England once inspected the slums of London and came upon a dilapidated house where a destitute old woman lived. The King asked, "May I come in?" This simple question reveals the essence of noble culture: it is easier to become rich than to become noble. Wealth makes one rich, but without a strong spirit and a noble concept of respecting others, wealth is merely vulgar.
Thank you for the momentary joy; the beautiful memories we shared have blurred my tears. Occasionally remembering them feels as fresh as the beginning—when I loved you without purpose, simply for the sake of loving you.
Be grateful to those who gave you life, letting you experience the world; grateful to those who helped you, letting you experience human sincerity; grateful to those who need you, letting you feel your value; and even grateful to those who hurt you, letting you understand the meaning of growth.
If truth opposes you, surrender to the truth.
If honesty is a harm, choose lies; if lies are also a harm, choose silence.
Sometimes, knowing nothing is both lovely and pitiable.
Life is like a flower; may it always smile, blooming gently in the crowd and spreading its fragrance.
Life is like a climb; in my eyes and heart, every tomorrow is a mountain. If you refuse to climb citing "unrealistic ambitions," your life will end today.
