The principle also applies to interpersonal relationships. We encounter all kinds of people, and many may reveal weaknesses or mistakes. If we relentlessly press and exploit their errors, giving them no room to retreat, conflicts will escalate, relationships may break, and lasting enmity could develop. This not only hinders friendships but also limits networking opportunities, adversely affecting future career development.
An elegant life is subtle and flavorful. Life is like a burning incense stick: what is past has passed, and joys or sorrows, like the ash of burnt incense, will eventually fall. Life is impermanent, and human hearts are changeable; why be entangled in disputes and grudges? When you view them lightly, right and wrong lose significance; when you let go, successes and failures seem inconsequential. Among the countless affairs of life, passing them with a smile embodies an elegant approach to living.
The value of life is measured by pleasure for the mediocre, and by achievements for the heroic. Differences in thought shape diverse lives. Life’s value lies in social need—the more people who need you, the greater your value. Respecting natural laws allows you to surpass yourself, increasing your life’s worth. Life grants no ownership, only the right to use it. The greatest value is in giving; being needed brings the utmost joy. True life value is not on the stage, but in the role we play today. Past experiences, no matter how glorious, are like fading flowers; today’s life, though ordinary, is a seed full of vitality.