The farmer works hard, yet often lacks food for the night; the weaver works tirelessly, yet rarely has warm clothes. When eating three meals a day, think of the farmer's toil; when wearing a single thread, remember the weaver's labor. A bit of thread represents a lifetime of effort; a single spoonful of rice represents immense toil. To receive without merit leads to unrest. Make friends with virtuous people and avoid unrighteous ones; earn honest wealth and abstain from ill-gotten wine. Always maintain self-control and avoid idle gossip. If one follows these words, wealth and fame shall endure.
Some people always miss the chance to meet, and when the opportunity finally arrives, they hesitate. Some things are never done, and when the time comes, the desire has vanished. Some words are buried in the heart for so long that when the chance comes to speak, they cannot be uttered. Some loves are never expressed, and by the time the opportunity arises, the feeling has faded.
In life, some things and some people will gradually fade from our sight and depart from our hearts. We will no longer sit by the window in silent longing or wander under the moonlight. Time silently strips away old memories, and moments quietly peel away past scenes. The soul cannot carry too much or endure too much; it is best to keep things light. If there are tears, let them flow; if there is bitterness, let it be voiced. The hardships of life accumulate as wounds; the worries of life add to the pain. Even the widest heart feels crowded when full; even the broadest mind feels pain when blocked.
Life requires a touch of everything: in conduct, be humble, polite, and indifferent; in cultivation, be quiet, charitable, and steady; in friendship, be sincere, magnanimous, and enthusiastic; in diet, be moderate, balanced, and light; in work, be learned, honest, and responsible; in success, be low-key, restrained, and grateful; in failure, be patient, open-minded, and perceptive; in life, be carefree, simple, and optimistic.
