Life is not as complicated as many people claim. Your efforts are your assets, while behaviors that lead to failure are your liabilities. Liabilities include passive thinking, greed, insincere interactions, laziness, lack of love, and hypocrisy toward friends. Assets include foresight, selflessness, kind manners, genuine friendship, and pride in oneself.
Do what you truly want to do, not what others expect of you. Many people are unhappy because they believe the past was better, the present is worse, and the future is uncertain. As we grow, even things that seem like setbacks must be faced courageously. We can turn, but need not look back; stride forward in the right direction instead of regretting past mistakes.
Ancients said: One day without reading, dust accumulates; two days without reading, speech becomes dull; three days without reading, the face becomes unpleasant. Yang Jiang said: Reading is not for degrees or wealth, but to become a warm, cultured, and thoughtful person. Every insight gained from books remains fresh and practical. True readers never lack a free spirit; their hearts need no defense, yet they are never conquered.
You can share knowledge and viewpoints you consider correct, but do not set an expected outcome (for example: you must listen to me, or else...). This makes it easier for others to accept. The same applies to relationships with partners or children. Forcing ideas will provoke resistance from the other's ego first.
People are often thought to be containers holding happiness or sorrow. But humans are not containers—they are conduits through which joy and sorrow flow. The conduit remains until the end of life.
If a person is not handsome, strong, wealthy, or wise at certain ages, it is unlikely they will attain these qualities later in life.
Anger is like a short-circuited battery, prone to explode at any moment; coldness is like winter ice, bringing sudden chill. Show kindness to others, and they will respond in kind. Even if met with disdain, at least one feels valuable.
