There are three essential stages on the path to wisdom: the stage of conformity, where one admires, obeys, and imitates those stronger than oneself; the desert stage, where constraints are most binding, but as admiration shatters, the spirit of freedom grows and one begins to re-evaluate all values; and the stage of creation, where one re-affirms existence upon a foundation of negation—not based on authority, but purely on oneself: "I am my own destiny."
In this life, no matter how great the hardships, we support one another and care for each other through difficulties. We understand that no emotion transcends familial ties. No joy is designed solely for us, and no pain is reserved specifically for us. There is as much variety in moods as there are joys and misfortunes; no one can avoid pain while enjoying constant happiness, nor is anyone perpetually in sorrow without ever experiencing joy.
If the breeze has feelings, the moon can witness; if fallen flowers have feelings, the flowing water can understand. What cannot be erased is the lingering loneliness; what cannot be unraveled is the entwined fate; what cannot be severed is the woven yearning. If a beautiful woman has dreams, a gentleman can interpret; if a gentleman has words, a lady can listen. When all prosperity fades, it all becomes mist and rain.
Human life is brief; we will soon turn to dust or a name, or perhaps nothing at all. Since life is so short, the things we place high importance upon are often empty, perishable, and trivial. As for everything beyond our physical bodies and breath, it belongs neither to us nor is it within our control.
Behind every great person lies unwavering conviction; the difference between them and the mediocre is their steadfast persistence. For young people to succeed, they need not only strong willpower but also the accumulation of experience and the ability to persevere, carefully nurturing their hopes to achieve success with half the effort.
