When sitting in silence, reflect on one's own faults; when chatting, avoid speaking ill of others. To endure hardship is the mark of a man of will; to accept a loss is not the sign of a fool. To respect a gentleman shows virtue; to fear a petty person is not a lack of ability. Taking a step back opens up a vast sky; yielding a little brings peace of mind. To progress, one must consider retreating; to act, one must first consider letting go. When successful, do not be overconfident; in all things, always leave room for error. While gold is precious, knowing contentment is worth a thousand pieces of gold. Think thrice before acting, and practice patience when anger rises.
In our lives, about 90% of things are good, while only 10% are bad. If you want to live happily, focus your spirit on that 90% of good things. If you wish to worry and toil, then place your energy on that 10% of bad things.
Life is not worth obsessing over every little detail to the point of anger. As the saying goes: "A life lasts no more than a hundred years, yet many carry a thousand years of worry. All matters arise from the heart, and a single smile resolves a thousand sorrows." Time is like a sieve that eventually filters out all the dregs. Bees steal nectar, yet they help the flowers flourish; the darker it gets, the more clearly the starlight shines. The past is an unredeemable check; living in the present is the only reality.
Suffering that is spoken of is not true suffering; true suffering is that which remains unspoken. The most painful time in life is not when one is hungry, but when one desires to strive yet finds no opportunity.
Life itself is already weathered and profound; if we cannot provide ourselves with hope, it would be too cruel. May our souls find warmth and solace.
Being with negative people will hinder your future, and being with those without conscience will drive good people away. There is a kind of waiting and a kind of loss in human nature; humans are those who write and live their own lives, while others are merely observers and commentators.
Life is actually very fair; effort and reward are always proportional, though the manner of reward may differ. The more you give, the more you receive. Just as seeds are sown in spring, as long as you nurture them carefully, you will surely welcome a bountiful harvest in autumn.
I do not wish to burden anyone with my emotions; I simply occasionally forget that I too need comfort.
Those who appear happy may carry unspoken sorrows; those who smile often may harbor silent tears; those who flaunt their lives may be far from the splendor they project. Only you can truly know your own happiness. Therefore, do not be hard on yourself or dwell on the opinions of others; live according to what feels comfortable for you. Happiness is like drinking water—one knows its temperature only for themselves. Your happiness lies not in the eyes of others, but within your own heart.
Even the sweetest candy has its bitter days.
Leisure is an essential need. In our nature, the self found in busyness is not the true self; the true self is found in leisure.
The 'Way' is the way of conducting oneself with decisiveness, a broad mind, self-discipline, and harmony toward others. It is a touch of Zen, a hint of poetry, a stroke of artistry, and a way to nourish the soul with ease. It is the way of being a person of integrity and emotion, living a flavorful life, acting with brilliance, and knowing when to advance or retreat.
If you do not know where to go next, simply do your current task well. Everything you endure now is the result of your past thoughts; everything you will possess in the future is the result of your present actions. No matter where or when, learn to walk independently, for it will allow you to walk with greater composure. Rather than escaping passively, face life bravely, and it will eventually reach a good end.
Green spreads across the hills, white fills the rivers. In the song of the cuckoo, the rain falls like mist. In the village, April sees few idle people, as they finish the silkworms and move to the fields.
A smile keeps you young for ten years; a smile brings no worries; a smile reduces illness; a smile brings good fortune.
