Keep your heart humble and your head high. Learn to release burdens with a smile, read the bustling world with a calm and tranquil mind, and perceive the brilliance of humanity with a gentle smile.
There are two outcomes for failing to adapt to an environment: one is to transform the environment, and the other is to be eliminated by it. Similarly, for those who do not follow the trends, there are two outcomes: one is to break through the waves, and the other is to be swept away by the tide.
To sleep soundly after labor, to live simply without malice, and to read with vigor—these are natural joys. Yet, the essence of such joy lies in the brief silence following chaos, which is stillness. In stillness, there is infinite joy.
Keep social interactions simple, relationships steady, and encounters joyful. The path of life seems smooth yet is full of twists and turns; in relationships, promises are easy to make but difficult to keep. Those that are passionate may end in silence, while those that are quiet and unobtrusive are the ones that endure. Only after witnessing the warmth and coldness of human nature do we appreciate the beauty of simplicity; only after experiencing life's changes do we understand how difficult it is to get along. There is no need to be overly calculative in life; moderation is enough. Do not demand too much; stability is best.
A human life is like a lit lamp that will eventually go out. Death is the moment the light fades, but upon reflection, death is not a punishment from God, but a gift from the gods of fate. Just as we need sleep, we also need death. It is the dark backdrop of death that highlights the brilliance of life. Imagine if life were infinite—without death, what would be the meaning of living? Therefore, death is not to be feared; it is merely a long sleep. Before that sleep comes, we should cherish every day we have and reflect on what we should truly pursue to find genuine happiness. Is it material desires? Fame and fortune? Or the clarity and peace of the soul?
