Regarding those who praise everything, speak little; regarding those who condemn everything, believe as little as possible; regarding those who are indifferent, believe not at all; regarding the outstanding, trust but do not depend; regarding the ordinary, trust with a sense of reliance; regarding the detestable, neither depend nor trust.
Even with vast wealth, day and night are the same; even with ten mansions, one sleeps in one bed; even with a hundred luxury cars, there is still worry and vexation; even with high office and wealth, one must work every day; even with many concubines, it is but a night of pleasure; even with delicacies, they all end up in the belly; even with glory and riches, they are but passing clouds. Enough money to eat is fine; a pleasant face is fine; health is what matters most.
Someone can solve a math problem while you slice fruit, memorize a word while you play Angry Birds, finish a textbook chapter while playing Dota, or complete a reading test while playing 2K. Someone even listens to an audiobook while you chat. Someone reflects on their day while you sleep, and someone runs faster than you. Will you still waste your time?
What is a young heart? It is not refusing to age at a certain age, but having freshness and passion in youth, and being able to accept wrinkles and sagging skin with grace and richness as years pass. This is "aging gracefully."
Some people are etched into memory—even if you forget their voice, smile, or face, the feeling when you think of them never changes. We smile and say we stay in the same place in time, but we have actually been swept away by the silent torrent of time.
To love someone does not necessarily mean to possess them, but if you do possess them, you should love and cherish them.
Is being a person a profound matter? Laozi said, "Highest good is like water." The best people are like water, flowing to the low places rather than seeking the heights.
The future is unknown, but there is no need to believe in fortune tellers. If they truly possessed foresight and great wisdom, they would not be making a living at street corners.
If you are right, try to persuade others gently and skillfully; if you are wrong, admit it quickly and sincerely. This is much more effective and interesting than arguing for yourself.
